U.S. seismologist detained in China for nearly two years

An American seismologist has been detained in China for nearly two years on espionage charges, his family and advocates revealed on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, saying diplomatic appeals for his release have so far been unsuccessful. Youlin Chen, a 54-year-old U.S. citizen from Boston, was arrested on November 5, 2024, during a personal trip to visit family in Beijing.

Chen was formally designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. State Department in March 2026, a status that makes his case a high priority for the U.S. government. He is the only American citizen currently holding that designation in China. According to the advocacy group Global Reach, which is advising the family, President Donald Trump raised Chen’s case directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit to Beijing in May 2026. The Chinese leader reportedly agreed to work on the issue, but advocates say there has been no apparent progress since.

Chen’s wife, Yufang Rong, said she has not been able to speak with her husband for over 600 days and is deeply concerned for his health. She stated that Chen, who has diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, has lost a significant amount of weight...