President Donald Trump has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to release Youlin Chen, an American seismologist detained in China, as reported by the scientist’s family. Dr. Chen, who specialized in detecting North Korean nuclear tests, was held by Chinese security officials at a Beijing airport in 2024.

An American seismologist, Youlin Chen, contracted by the U.S. government for research on North Korean nuclear tests, has been in detention in China for nearly two years, facing espionage charges. His family and supporters are appealing for his release, arguing the accusation is unfounded.

Dr. Chen, originally from China, encountered state security officers at a Beijing airport in November 2024 as he prepared to fly back to Boston, his home. His detention echoes the dangers faced by scientists and others engaged in work viewed as sensitive by Chinese authorities.

The public revelation of Dr. Chen’s case aims to increase pressure on China to free him, coinciding with U.S.-China efforts to maintain a fragile trade war truce. The issue highlights Beijing’s intensified focus on targeting individuals accused of espionage or subversion. This is evident as last month, Chinese authorities detained an American scholar researching Myanmar politics, also accusing him of spying.

Dr. Chen’s wife, Yufang Rong, disclosed President Trump’s intervention, noting he discussed the case with President Xi during a May meeting in Beijing. She expressed hope that Trump would revisit the matter during their upcoming summit in Washington in September.

‘I am hopeful that President Xi will acknowledge the mistake made in arresting a U.S. academic and ensure he is allowed to return to the U.S.,’ Ms. Rong emphasized in her written responses to inquiries about Dr. Chen’s situation.