Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Min Zin had been subjected to “criminal compulsory measures” on suspicion of engaging in espionage activities that endanger China’s national security.The ministry did not provide further details about the allegations.

Min Zin founded the Institute for Strategy and Policy Myanmar (ISP-M), which studies political developments, resources and conflict dynamics in Myanmar, a country facing a civil war following a 2021 military coup.Some ISP-M research has examined China’s influence in Myanmar’s border regions, where Beijing has been accused of supporting armed groups aligned with its strategic interests.

It was not immediately clear whether Min Zin was conducting research activities when he was detained.A person with professional ties to ISP-M, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that Min Zin was arrested on June 3 at Kunming airport in China’s Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar.Another source with knowledge of the case said Min Zin had travelled to Kunming to attend a meeting.

Chinese authorities said the US consulate in Guangzhou had been informed about the case. The sources said Min Zin’s family and colleagues were in contact with the consulate.Neither the US State Department nor ISP-M had publicly commented on the detention.

ISP-M is based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a city that has become a centre for Myanmar political exiles since the military removed the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.Analysts, including researchers linked to ISP-M, have said China has maintained relations with both Myanmar’s military and armed groups depending on its economic and security interests.