Thursday, September 23, 2026 - The wife of American seismologist Youlin Chen is urging President Donald Trump to press Chinese President Xi Jinping for her husband's release when the two leaders meet in Washington.
Yufang Rong says Chen, whom the U.S. State Department has designated as wrongfully detained, has remained in Chinese custody since November 2024, with his case showing little movement since Trump previously raised it with Xi.
Rong says she has been unable to speak directly with her husband and communicates through letters that are read to him, while U.S. Embassy officials make monthly visits.
Chen, a Chinese-born American seismologist, was detained after traveling to Beijing to visit family and was later accused by Chinese authorities of espionage. His family rejects the accusation, saying his research on seismic data was academic and publicly reported.
The case has gained renewed attention ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting, with U.S. officials saying the administration is seeking the release of Americans wrongfully detained overseas.
Chen is one of two U.S. citizens currently designated by Washington as wrongfully detained in China, alongside scholar Min Zin. Rong is now looking to the upcoming talks for direct presidential action that could advance her husband's case and bring him home.
0 Comments