The family of American seismologist Youlin Chen says he has been detained in China for nearly two years without a trial. According to reporting cited by a nonprofit, Global Reach, Chen is the only U.S. citizen that the U.S. State Department has determined is being wrongfully detained in China. Chen’s wife has said he has remained in detention for almost two years, while U.S. officials describe the situation as wrongful and state it is a top priority. Chinese authorities have not agreed with that characterization, and China says it is handling cases through its judicial system in accordance with the law. The reports also state that Chen is facing spying-related charges, which his family disputes. The issue is presented as contributing to existing strain in relations between the United States and China, both nuclear-armed countries. Across the accounts, the core points are the length of Chen’s detention, the U.S. government’s wrongful-detention position, and China’s denial and assertion that its process follows legal procedures.