Both U Min Zin and Adam Castillo have publicly criticized the Chinese Communist Party’s role in Burma’s conflict and previously engaged with U.S. policymakers. While there is no evidence that their arrests were linked, both cases raise serious concerns about due process, civil liberties, and the treatment of foreign nationals in China and Burma.

The detention of the two individuals sends a chilling signal to those who publicly scrutinize Burma’s military and China’s involvement. While it remains unclear whether the two cases are linked, the arrests may still deter researchers and experts who engage in similar work. Both arrests took place days before Min Aung Hliang’s state visit to China to meet with Xi Jinping.

Following the 2021 coup and amid condemnation from the US and Europe, Burma’s military junta continues to move closer to China. During the recent state visit, Xi Jinping publicly endorsed Min Aung Hlaing. The two sides signed multiple cooperation agreements, underscoring Beijing’s continued support for a regime accused of widespread human rights abuses.