Authorities arrested U Min Zin in accordance with the law on suspicion of espionage and endangering China's national security, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced today, adding that the incident was reported to the US consulate in Guangzhou.

U Min Zin, a US citizen of Myanmar origin, is the executive director of the Institute for Strategy and Policy (ISP) - Myanmar. Reuters news agency, citing three sources familiar with the matter, reported that he was arrested two weeks ago after landing at Kunming airport in southwestern China.

The US State Department and ISP - Myanmar have not commented on the information.

U Min Zin at an event in 2019. Photo: *Irrawaddy*.

The move comes as Beijing and Washington work to stabilize bilateral relations, following US President Donald Trump's state visit to China in May.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Trump agreed to establish a "constructive strategic stable relationship" to guide bilateral ties for the next three years and beyond. This marks the first time the phrase "constructive strategic stable relationship" has been used for US-China relations.

The Chinese President described the relationship as primarily based on cooperation, yet accompanied by measured competition, aiming to create a "normal stable state where differences can be controlled, and a long-term stable state where harmony can be expected".

He also called for the two countries to expand exchanges and cooperation in areas such as: trade, health, agriculture, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and law enforcement.

Hong Hanh (According to Reuters)