Myanmar Spring Chronicle – Scenes from June 12
(MoeMaKa), June 13, 2026
ISP Myanmar founder Min Zin arrested in China; Myanmar junta arrests a U.S. citizen
Min Zin, the founder of the policy research organization ISP Myanmar, which focuses on issues related to Myanmar, was reportedly arrested by Chinese police in Kunming, China, on June 3 on accusations of espionage and endangering national security. News of the arrest emerged on June 12, and the Chinese government confirmed the detention.
On the same day that news of Min Zin’s arrest became public, reports also emerged that Adam Castillo, a U.S. citizen, had been arrested by Myanmar authorities on June 11 upon his arrival at Yangon International Airport. Castillo is a former chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, currently runs a security consulting company, and is the author of a book about conditions in Myanmar following the 2021 military coup. It is believed that his arrest may be linked to that publication.
Both detainees are U.S. citizens. Min Zin currently resides in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Min Zin was a high-school student during Myanmar’s 1988 pro-democracy uprising and became involved in student and democracy movements at that time. After spending roughly seven years operating underground inside Myanmar, he fled to Thailand and later moved to the United States. He worked for the Burmese service of Radio Free Asia, earned a master’s degree at the University of California, Berkeley, pursued doctoral studies, and later established a policy research organization.
When exiled Myanmar opposition figures were allowed to return during President Thein Sein’s administration, Min Zin returned to Myanmar and founded the Institute for Strategy and Policy – Myanmar (ISP Myanmar) in 2014. The organization has since produced political and policy research reports and facilitated public discussions on Myanmar affairs.
During the NLD government period (2015–2020), ISP Myanmar occasionally criticized government policies, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s leadership, peace process initiatives, and relations with ethnic armed organizations. As a result, some NLD supporters developed negative views toward both ISP Myanmar and Min Zin.
During the NLD era, ISP Myanmar also organized a policy discussion forum known as “Yaw Min Gyi Zayat,” which focused on politics, peace, and armed conflict in Myanmar. Critics sometimes viewed the forum as a venue for criticizing the NLD government while allegedly avoiding criticism of the military.
As news of Min Zin’s arrest spread, some individuals holding such views expressed satisfaction on social media. However, many democracy activists, journalists, and human rights advocates regarded the detention of a prominent Myanmar policy researcher upon entering China as an example of Chinese coercion and interference in Myanmar-related affairs.
The incident has also highlighted concerns that Myanmar opposition figures, leaders of exile-based Myanmar media organizations, and individuals who publicly criticize Chinese policies may face risks not only from Myanmar’s military authorities but also from the Chinese government if their activities are seen as conflicting with Chinese interests.
Many observers therefore view the arrest not merely as an example of China’s growing power and influence in Myanmar affairs, but also as a warning directed at Myanmar political activists, human rights advocates, researchers, and media figures.
The arrest of Adam Castillo on the same day that Min Zin’s detention became public has also raised questions. Some observers interpret the move as a test of the U.S. government by the administration of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Castillo’s book describes Myanmar’s post-coup situation, including economic disruption, international sanctions, and the experiences of those who remained in the country after the military takeover. The book was published in March 2026. Following its publication, launch events and discussions were held in several countries. Within a few months, Myanmar authorities arrested him.
Castillo first came to Myanmar after 2012 and has lived there for more than twelve years, from 2014 until 2026. He also previously served as chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar.
The Min Aung Hlaing administration has shown interest in improving relations with the United States under President Donald Trump, as reflected in correspondence sent after U.S. tariff increases and in the recent hiring of a lobbying firm connected to individuals close to Trump in Washington, D.C.
This has led to questions about why the junta would arrest a prominent American citizen with strong connections to the U.S. diplomatic and business community while simultaneously seeking closer ties with Washington. Observers are asking whether the arrest is solely related to Castillo’s book or whether other factors are involved. As of now, the Myanmar military government has not publicly commented on the case.