Youlin Chen, an American seismologist specializing in the detection of underground nuclear tests, has been detained in China on espionage charges since November 5, 2024. The revelation comes from his family and the NGO Global Reach, which is currently working to secure his release. According to the organization, the US government formally designated Chen as “wrongfully detained” in March, though his family opted to keep the status private in hopes of facilitating diplomatic negotiations.
Advocates suggest that Chen’s detention may be linked to ongoing US government accusations that China has conducted underground nuclear tests in violation of international bans. Global Reach noted that Chen’s expertise in seismic monitoring and yield estimation could provide the Chinese government with insights into US detection methodologies, potentially allowing them to develop countermeasures to circumvent treaty requirements. While the US military and state department have previously funded some of Chen’s research, his wife, Yufang Rong, emphasized that he never held a US government security clearance and that the espionage claims are inconsistent with his collaborative, public research.
Efforts to secure his freedom have included a direct appeal from US President Donald Trump to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit in May. While Xi reportedly agreed to address the issue, Eric Lebson, chief strategy officer at Global Reach, stated that there has been no visible progress as the September visit to Washington DC approaches. Yufang Rong expressed grave concern for her husband's health, noting that she has not spoken to him for over 600 days. Chen suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, according to the James Foley Foundation.
China continues to deny allegations that it has conducted explosive nuclear tests, arguing instead that the United States is seeking a pretext to resume its own testing. The US state department has reiterated its call for Beijing to release Chen, stating that his case has been raised directly with Chinese officials. The Chinese embassy in Washington has not yet provided a comment regarding the detention.
