An American seismologist who specialized in analyzing North Korea's nuclear tests is being held in China on espionage charges, with his wife and advocates asserting his detention is unjust and stems from his scientific work.
Youlin Chen, 54, a US citizen since 2011 and formerly a US government contractor, was detained on November 5, 2024, at Beijing International Airport while attempting to return to Boston after visiting family and delivering a lecture.
He was formally charged with espionage on March 1, 2025. His wife, Yufang Rong, and a team of advocates told Reuters that they believe Chen will be convicted regardless of the evidence, with the trial potentially occurring behind closed doors.
US embassy officials have visited Chen, but his wife stated that Chinese officials are always present during these visits, hindering his ability to speak freely.
Supporters contend that Chen's detention is connected to his research on seismic waves and earthquakes, particularly his analysis of North Korean underground nuclear tests. A December 2020 paper he published, using publicly available data from China, examined seismic differences between natural earthquakes and clandestine nuclear weapons tests by North Korea, an ally of China.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern that Chinese authorities might utilize a law that retroactively criminalizes the use of previously public data in Chen's prosecution.
Chen has reportedly been interrogated nearly one hundred times regarding his seismological research, according to his wife. Eric Lebson, an advisor to Chen's family and head of the advocacy organization Global Reach, suggested that China may be interested in Chen's expertise to better conceal the seismic indicators of its own nuclear tests.
In 2020, China allegedly conducted an underground nuclear test, which was detected by American authorities and contributed to strained US-China relations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared Chen to be "wrongfully detained." Chen's wife has also indicated that the Trump administration is engaged in confidential discussions with the Chinese government for his release, a matter that may have been raised with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. However, the Trump administration has not publicly commented on these alleged talks, and a US source was unable to confirm whether the matter was discussed with Xi.
Another US source stated that the focus remains on securing Chen's release from what they described as unjustifiable detention.
Chinese authorities have refuted the claim of wrongful detention. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that the matter is being handled in accordance with the law.
While diplomatic efforts continue, Chen remains in prison under what his wife describes as harsh conditions. Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, who brought Chen's case to Rubio's attention, expressed deep concern for Chen's well-being and hoped that increased attention would prompt China to release him.