WASHINGTON – The U.S. has designated Myanmar scholar and U.S. citizen Min Zin as wrongfully detained after his arrest by Chinese authorities in June, the State Department said on Thursday, a move that makes securing his release a top U.S. priority.

The designation for Min Zin, who is accused of endangering Chinese national security, comes just weeks before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House.

Rights groups have urged the U.S. to press China for the release of Min Zin, who leads a think tank focused on Myanmar, ahead of Xi’s anticipated Sept. 24 visit.