Beijing has confirmed the arrest of Min Zin, a US citizen and political analyst at a Myanmar-focused think tank, on suspicion of espionage and endangering national security.
“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,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday.
Lin did not give further details of charges against Min Zin, but added that the US consulate in Guangzhou had been notified.
Also on Friday, Beijing announced that Myanmese President Min Aung Hlaing would pay a state visit to China next week, his first since assuming the presidency earlier this year.
Beijing rarely detains American citizens on national security grounds. This case has surfaced just weeks after US President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in an effort to stabilise the superpowers’ rocky relationship.
The New York Times first reported the arrest of Min Zin on Thursday, citing unnamed sources.