# U.S. diplomatic efforts regarding detained citizens > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-diplomatic-efforts-regarding-detained-citizens > Updated: 2026-09-16T14:51:30.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 2. The United States has engaged in diplomatic efforts regarding the detention of American citizens abroad. In August 2026, the U.S. Department of State designated Myanmar scholar Min Zin as wrongfully detained by China following his arrest in Yunnan province on espionage allegations. The State Department disputed these charges and called for the release of all Americans being arbitrarily detained in China, noting that Zin is the second such academic designated, following seismologist Dr. Youlin Chen. By September 2026, the U.S. successfully secured the release and deportation of Adam Castillo, an American businessman previously detained in Myanmar on allegations of financial impropriety. Concurrently, advocacy for Min Zin continued as his wife, Sylvia Zin, testified before a U.S. House subcommittee. She requested that President Donald Trump advocate for her husband’s release during an upcoming state visit to China. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-16: US secures release of American in Myanmar and seeks help for scholar in China The U.S. secured the release of businessman Adam Castillo from Myanmar, while families of scholars detained in China appeal to President Trump for diplomatic intervention during his upcoming visit to Beijing. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/myanmar-deports-us-businessman-adam-castillo-after-months-in-detention ### 2026-08-20: Min Zin designated wrongfully detained by U.S. while held in China The U.S. has designated Myanmar scholar Min Zin as wrongfully detained by China, following his June arrest in Yunnan. The move escalates diplomatic pressure on Beijing ahead of a Trump-Xi summit. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-demands-release-of-two-academics-detained-in-china --- Cite as: U.S. diplomatic efforts regarding detained citizens. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-diplomatic-efforts-regarding-detained-citizens