world
Families Call on Trump to Advocate for Americans Imprisoned in China
Two Americans, U Min Zin and Youlin Chen, are currently detained in China. Their families urge Trump to intervene with Xi Jinping for their release, according to The New York Times.
10/19/2026, 6:00:47 AM
Families of two Americans currently detained in China are appealing to former President Donald Trump to advocate for their release. Among those held is U Min Zin, a prominent scholar known for his research on Myanmar, and Youlin Chen, a seismologist focusing on North Korean nuclear activities.
The detainees' families have expressed deep concern over their well-being and the circumstances surrounding their arrests. They believe that Trump's direct engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping could significantly impact efforts to secure their release. While the families have been proactive in raising awareness about their situation, they feel that a high-level intervention from Trump might garner more attention and urgency.
U Min Zin's work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of Myanmar's socio-political landscape, making his detention troubling for many in the academic community. On the other hand, Youlin Chen's expertise in seismology has implications for nuclear safety, a pressing global issue given the tensions surrounding North Korea.
The families have urged Trump to utilize his past relationships and influence to facilitate discussions with China regarding these detentions. They hope that by appealing to his sense of justice and personal connection with the issue, there could be positive developments soon.
As tensions between the United States and China continue to escalate, the fate of Americans like U Min Zin and Youlin Chen remains uncertain. Advocates for their release believe that bipartisan support in the U.S. government could also play a crucial role in their potential liberation.
As these families await news of their loved ones, they maintain a hopeful outlook and continue their campaign for justice, waiting patiently for a response from Trump or the relevant U.S. authorities to press the matter with Beijing, according to The New York Times.