China charges US seismologist who studied North Korea's nuclear tests with espionage
Chinese-born American seismologist Youlin Chen has been detained in China for nearly two years and faces upcoming espionage charges. The case has become a significant diplomatic friction point between the US and China, with the US government officially designating him as wrongfully detained.
Why it matters
The detention highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and China, specifically regarding the treatment of dual-national researchers and academic exchange.
A Chinese-born American seismologist who carried out US-funded research on detecting North Korean nuclear tests has been detained in China for nearly two years and will also face trial on espionage charges.The case of Youlin Chen, 54, has emerged as another point of tension in US-China relations as President Donald Trump seeks to stabilise ties with Beijing following last year's trade disputes.Chen, a US citizen since 2011 who lives in Boston, was designated as "wrongfully detained" by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 19, making his release a top US priority, Reuters cited.
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