The family of a U.S. seismologist detained in China has publicly appealed for his release after nearly two years without a trial. The case has drawn renewed attention as both countries prepare for possible high-level diplomatic talks later this year.
Youlin Chen, a China-born American scientist from Boston, was detained during a personal visit to Beijing in November 2024. According to an advocacy group supporting his family, he has remained in custody ever since and has not been brought to trial.
Chen’s family decided to speak publicly after waiting many months for progress. They said they had hoped Chinese authorities would release him but have not seen any signs that this will happen.
His wife, Yufang Rong, said she has not spoken with her husband for more than 600 days. She expressed concern about his health and well-being while he remains in detention. The family’s statement was released through Global Reach, a nonprofit organization that supports Americans whom it says have been wrongfully detained overseas.
According to the advocacy group, Chen is the only U.S. citizen currently designated by the U.S. State Department as being wrongfully detained in China. Such a designation places a case among the highest priorities for U.S. diplomatic efforts.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that it has raised Chen’s case directly with Chinese officials and has called for his immediate release. Officials said the United States continues to seek his return through diplomatic channels.
A White House spokesperson also said President Donald Trump wants Americans detained abroad to return home. The spokesperson noted that more than 100 Americans have been reunited with their families during the current administration.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio officially designated Chen as a wrongfully detained American in March. The designation allows the U.S. government to devote additional diplomatic resources to the case.
Chinese officials have rejected the description of wrongful detention. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said there is no wrongful detention in China and stated that judicial authorities handle legal cases according to Chinese law.
According to Global Reach, Chen was detained by state security officials during a personal trip to visit his parents in Beijing. The organization said he has been charged with espionage.
Before his detention, Chen worked as a government contractor on projects connected with the U.S. State Department and the Air Force Research Laboratory. His work focused on seismology, including cooperation with Chinese researchers to study seismic data.
Global Reach believes the case may be linked to Chen’s scientific work. The organization suggested that investigators could be interested in methods used to detect underground nuclear tests through seismic monitoring. However, this assessment has not been confirmed by Chinese authorities.
The advocacy group also said U.S. Embassy officials have been allowed to visit Chen several times while he has been in custody. According to the organization, embassy staff have not been permitted to discuss details of his legal case during those visits.
The case could become an important topic in future diplomatic discussions between the United States and China. Advocacy group representatives said it may receive additional attention if Chinese President Xi Jinping meets President Trump during an expected visit to Washington later this year.
Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey also called for Chen’s release. He said he would continue working to support one of his constituents and expressed hope that greater public attention would encourage Chinese authorities to allow Chen to return home.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Chen’s family remains focused on one goal. They hope he will be released and reunited with his loved ones after spending nearly two years in detention while awaiting the next stage of his legal case.
