US issues wrongful detention warnings for China, Eritrea, and Russia

The U.S. Department of State has expanded its wrongful detention warnings to include mainland China, placing it alongside Russia and Eritrea as countries where American citizens face a serious risk of arbitrary arrest and detention.

In China, the State Department cited the “arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the use of exit bans without a fair and transparent process under the law, and the risk of wrongful detention.” The advisory follows the cases of American scholar Min Zin, who was arrested in June 2026, and seismologist Youlin Chen, who has been held for nearly two years. Chinese authorities have accused both individuals of espionage, charges their families and advocates contest.

Eritrea also carries a wrongful detention warning, with officials noting that U.S. citizens and dual nationals have been detained without formal charges or on false allegations. The State Department reported that Eritrean authorities frequently deny American diplomats access to detained citizens. Russia remains on the list of countries with similar detention concerns.