Scholar arrested at academic conference

U Min Zin, director of a Myanmar think tank, was arrested in Kunming on June 3 after attending a conference. China accuses him of spying and endangering national security.

Wife testifies before Congress

Sylvia Zin told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that she hopes Trump will raise her husband's case when he meets Xi Jinping at the White House next week.

“I'm deeply hopeful that President Trump will raise my husband's case with President Xi Jinping at the summit next week.”

Families lobby for prisoner releases

Ahead of Xi's state visit to Washington, families of Americans held in China have traveled to the capital to advocate for their loved ones' freedom. Congress warns that China uses detentions as diplomatic leverage.

“If you travel to China, Beijing may take you hostage as leverage in diplomatic negotiation.”

Another scientist also wrongfully detained

Chen Youlin, a US seismologist who tracks nuclear tests, has been held in China for two years. The State Department designated both men as wrongfully detained, raising their cases' profile.

Trump's track record offers hope

Sylvia Zin cited Trump's history of securing the release of wrongfully detained Americans. In a previous meeting, Trump successfully pressed for the freedom of underground church leader Jin Mingri, who was released two months later.

“Knowing the president's historic record on bringing wrongfully detained Americans home has reassured me.”

Wife awaits news from jail visits

Sylvia Zin, who lives in Thailand, has not spoken to her husband since his arrest. She said he endured up to six hours of daily interrogations and relies on monthly consular visits to confirm he is alive.

“I'm trying to be strong for our daughter, but I'm constantly wondering if he's OK.”