On the same day Beijing confirmed a visit by Myanmar’s president, it also announced the detention of a former pro-democracy activist from Myanmar.
“Min Zin is understood to have been placed under criminal detention by the relevant authorities in accordance with the law, on suspicion of engaging in espionage and endangering China’s national security,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Friday.
Lin provided no additional details regarding the charges against Min Zin, but noted that the U.S. consulate in Guangzhou had been informed.
Also on Friday, Beijing announced that Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing would make a state visit to China next week — his first such trip since taking office earlier this year.
The New York Times first reported Min Zin’s arrest on Thursday, citing unnamed sources.