U.S. Escalates Pressure Over American Detained in China

WASHINGTON — The United States has designated Myanmar scholar and U.S. citizen Min Zin as wrongfully detained by Chinese authorities, making efforts to secure his release a priority for the American government.

Zin was arrested by Chinese authorities in June and has been accused of endangering China's national security. The U.S. designation marks a significant escalation in Washington's response to his detention.

The case comes at a sensitive moment in U.S.-China relations, just weeks before President Donald Trump is scheduled to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House.

Washington's designation could increase pressure on Beijing while adding another difficult issue to the broader diplomatic relationship between the world's two largest economies.

The detention is now likely to receive increased attention as U.S. officials prepare for high-level discussions with China and seek the release of an American citizen held by Chinese authorities.