China announced the arrest of Min Zin, a U.S. citizen and leader of a think-tank focused on Myanmar. The Chinese foreign ministry accused him of spying and threatening national security. Lin Jian, a spokesperson from the ministry, confirmed this during a news conference, stating Min Zin was detained according to Chinese law.

The U.S. consulate in Guangzhou received notification of the arrest. Min Zin, the executive director of the Institute for Strategy and Policy (ISP) in Myanmar, was detained shortly after arriving in Kunming, southwest China. Three sources familiar with the situation reported this information but requested anonymity due to the issue’s sensitivity.

Neither the U.S. State Department nor ISP-Myanmar provided immediate comments to Reuters. “Min Zin was arrested at Kunming airport around two weeks ago,” one source mentioned, withholding additional details.

This incident occurs amidst efforts by the U.S. and China to mend their tense bilateral relations, following a recent visit by President Donald Trump to Beijing.

Min Zin previously engaged as a student activist in Myanmar’s 1988 democracy movement and studied political science at the University of California, Berkeley. He co-founded ISP, initially located in Myanmar but later moved overseas after Myanmar’s 2021 coup. The coup led to civil unrest, with pro-democracy factions challenging military forces, a conflict closely analyzed by ISP.

Recent ISP publications discussed Myanmar’s political changes after the military-managed election, with Min Aung Hlaing taking presidential duties, and the struggling economy.

China supports Myanmar’s new administration, established after an election that excluded major opposition groups, including Aung San Suu Kyi’s party.