Prominent Myanmar political analyst and founder of ISP Myanmar, U Min Zin, has reportedly been detained by Chinese authorities, according to a report published by The New York Times.
Sources familiar with the matter told the newspaper that U Min Zin has been accused of activities that allegedly endanger China's national security.
U Min Zin, a graduate student from U.C Berkeley University and founder of the Myanmar-based research organization ISP Myanmar, is also a naturalized U.S. citizen. The detention reportedly occurred shortly after U.S. President visited China and met with Chinese President.
According to unnamed sources, U Min Zin was detained in early June after disappearing on June 3 while in Kunming, which borders Myanmar. U.S. diplomatic officials are reportedly aware of the case.
The detention of a U.S. citizen on national security charges is considered a rare occurrence in China and comes at a time when Washington and Beijing are seeking to strengthen bilateral relations.
U Min Zin is a political scientist and former executive director of a policy research organization that was previously based in Yangon. He has lived in both Myanmar and the United States and is currently based in Thailand.
He has also contributed articles on Myanmar politics to publications including The New York Times, Foreign Policy and other international media outlets. Responding to inquiries from The New York Times, the U.S. State Department stated that it was aware of reports concerning the detention of a U.S. citizen in China.
"Whenever a U.S. citizen is detained, we seek to provide appropriate consular assistance," the department said, while declining to provide further details, citing federal privacy regulations.
Attempts by The New York Times to obtain comment from U Min Zin's wife reportedly received no response. The Chinese Embassy in Washington also declined to comment immediately.
U Min Zin is widely known as the founder of ISP Myanmar, a former Myanmar journalist, former student activist, and founder of the Yaw Min Gyi Zayat discussion forum.
A senior official from Eleven Media Group said the detention could have significant implications for trust in China–Myanmar relations.
“The detention of U Min Zin, who is ethnically Burmese, could create serious problems for trust and confidence in China–Myanmar relations. U Min Zin has been deeply involved in Myanmar politics for many years. Although he is a U.S. citizen, he is Burmese and is regarded as an important figure in Myanmar's political landscape. While he has acquired U.S. citizenship, it would be inappropriate to view him solely as an American citizen. He has actively participated in Myanmar politics for more than 20 years and is widely recognized as a reform-minded individual who is capable of engaging and negotiating with different sides. He should be regarded as an important moderate voice in Myanmar politics.
As someone who has played a significant role in Myanmar's political affairs for many years, he should not be detained in this manner. China is one of the most important countries shaping Myanmar's political future. Therefore, it is not appropriate for such a country to detain a figure who has long been influential in Myanmar politics.
This detention could increase suspicion among Myanmar people regarding travel to China and participation in meetings and dialogue there. If China genuinely wishes to support reforms in Myanmar, strengthen relations with the Myanmar people, and play a constructive role in Myanmar's future, then U Min Zin should be released as soon as possible,"
