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Trump Raises Chen's Detention; China Tries Him for Espionage

7/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

American researcher Youlin Chen is the only citizen in China labeled “wrongfully detained” by the State Department.
He is standing trial in China on espionage charges after nearly two years of detention.
President Donald Trump raised Chen’s case with President Xi Jinping in May and invited Xi to Washington in September.
Chen’s wife Yufang Rong said Chinese officials have not responded and she believes a conviction and trial are inevitable.

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Story summary

American researcher Youlin Chen is the only citizen in China labeled “wrongfully detained” by the State Department.
He is standing trial in China on espionage charges after nearly two years of detention.
President Donald Trump raised Chen’s case with President Xi Jinping in May and invited Xi to Washington in September.
Chen’s wife Yufang Rong said Chinese officials have not responded and she believes a conviction and trial are inevitable.