Global
Chinese authorities announced today, Friday, the detention of a US citizen, an analyst at a think tank specializing in Myanmar affairs, on suspicion of engaging in espionage activities. Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed during a regular press briefing that Min Zin, founder of the Institute for Strategy and Policy – Myanmar, has been subjected to "mandatory criminal procedures" due to suspicions of "espionage activities that endanger China's national security." This confirmation comes in response to earlier media reports about the arrest in China. The Chinese spokesperson's clarification was in answer to a question regarding a report published by the American newspaper "The New York Times," which stated that Min Zin had disappeared in Kunming city, southwest China, last week. The spokesperson did not elaborate on the nature of the "mandatory criminal procedures," but generally, they imply a deprivation of freedom of movement. He added that the "Chinese side has informed the US Consulate General in Canton (Guangzhou) of this case," asserting that Min Zin's legal rights are "fully guaranteed." Min Zin is a founding member of the Institute for Strategy and Policy – Myanmar.
