China's foreign ministry confirmed on Friday the arrest of Min Zin, a U.S. citizen who leads a think-tank focused on Myanmar, stating that the American is suspected of spying and endangering Chinese national security.
Official Confirmation
“It is understood that Min Zin has been placed under criminal detention by the relevant authorities in accordance with the law on suspicion of engaging in espionage and endangering China’s national security,” said Lin Jian, a foreign ministry spokesperson, during a regular news conference. He added that China has notified the U.S. consulate general in Guangzhou of the arrest.
Detention Details
Min Zin, executive director of the Institute for Strategy and Policy (ISP) - Myanmar, was detained after flying into Kunming in southwest China, according to three sources familiar with the matter. They spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. One source revealed that Min Zin was arrested at Kunming airport approximately two weeks ago, declining to provide further details.
The U.S. State Department and ISP-Myanmar did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
Bilateral Context
The detention occurs as the U.S. and China work to stabilize their strained bilateral relationship following U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing last month.
Background of Min Zin
A former student activist who participated in Myanmar’s 1988 democracy movement, Min Zin studied political science at the University of California, Berkeley. He also helped establish ISP, which was initially based in Myanmar but relocated overseas after the 2021 military coup that ousted the democratically elected government of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
The coup plunged Myanmar into a protracted civil war, pitting the military against pro-democracy armed groups and established ethnic armies—a conflict closely monitored by Min Zin’s ISP. Recent publications from the think-tank have focused on Myanmar’s political transition after junta chief Min Aung Hlaing assumed the presidency following a military-engineered election, as well as the country’s failing economy.
China has publicly supported Myanmar’s new administration, which took office after a widely criticized vote that excluded major opposition groups, including Suu Kyi’s political party.
