Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Trump to Ask Xi to Free Detained US Seismologist
Youlin Chen is a US seismologist who has been held in China since November 2024.
His wife, Yufang Rong, says he studied shockwaves from North Korean underground nuclear tests.
She says his research was publicly funded, published, and based on information anyone could access.
Rong says White House officials told her that Donald Trump will ask Xi Jinping to free Chen.
Trump and Xi are expected to meet on Wednesday.
The United States calls Chen wrongfully detained.
China says its courts handle cases according to the law.
Rong worries Chen could be accused of spying and says he has received poor medical care and food.
She has encouraged him to stay strong and remain optimistic.
Yufang Rong says White House officials assured her that Donald Trump will ask Xi Jinping to release her husband, Youlin Chen.
Chen, a 54-year-old US seismologist, was arrested in China on November 5, 2024, after visiting family and lecturing at universities.
The United States has designated Chen and scholar Min Zin as “wrongfully detained” Americans.
Rong fears Chen could face fabricated espionage charges despite his publicly funded, published research using public data and Chinese collaboration.
China says its judiciary handles cases according to law and rejects the characterization of “wrongful detention.”
- Who
- Youlin Chen, his wife Yufang Rong, US President Donald Trump, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and scholar Min Zin.
- What
- Trump is expected to ask Xi to release Chen and Min Zin, whom the United States considers wrongfully detained.
- When
- Chen was arrested on November 5, 2024; Rong made the disclosure on Tuesday before Trump and Xi’s meeting on Wednesday.
- Where
- Chen was arrested at Beijing International Airport and is being held in China.
- Why
- The United States says Chen is wrongfully detained, while China says its judiciary is handling the case according to law.
US and Family Position
Chinese Government Position
Nature of Chen’s detention
US and Family Position
The United States and Yufang Rong say Youlin Chen is wrongfully detained, and Rong fears he could face fabricated espionage charges.
Chinese Government Position
China’s foreign ministry says its judiciary handles cases according to law and says there is no such thing as wrongful detention.
Purpose of Chen’s research
US and Family Position
Rong says Chen’s work was openly funded, publicly published, based on public data, and conducted with Chinese scientists.
Chinese Government Position
Chinese authorities have not publicly addressed the specific claims about Chen’s research in the reports.
Diplomatic resolution
US and Family Position
The White House says resolving wrongful detentions is a top priority, and Donald Trump is expected to ask Xi Jinping to release Chen and Min Zin.
Chinese Government Position
Trump previously raised Chen’s case with Xi in May, but Rong said that discussion produced no action.
- Detainee
- Youlin Chen, a 54-year-old US seismologist
- Arrest date
- November 5, 2024
- Arrest location
- Beijing International Airport
- US designation
- Chen and Min Zin have been designated by the United States as “wrongfully detained”
- Research
- Detecting shockwaves from North Korean underground nuclear tests
- Reported conditions
- Rong says Chen has high blood pressure and diabetes and received substandard medical care and food
- Diplomatic action
- Trump is expected to raise Chen’s case with Xi Jinping during their Wednesday meeting
