Three US citizens released in exchange for long imprisonment in China | American News
According to NBC News, three American citizens who had been detained in China for several years have been released. Kai Li, Mark Swidan, and John Leung will be returning to the US after a deal was reached in sensitive negotiations.
Politico reported that an unnamed US official confirmed the successful efforts to free the trio in exchange for unidentified Chinese individuals in US custody.
A State Department spokesperson announced the release of the three detainees from China, thanking the administration’s diplomacy with the People’s Republic of China for bringing them home.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his joy at the news, stating that he had been working closely with Harrison Li, the son of one of the released individuals.
Harrison Li. Pic: AP
Senator Schumer expressed gratitude and relief for the families of the three Americans, stating that they have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
In addition to the release of these individuals, there was also the surprise release of US pastor David Lin in September after being imprisoned in China since 2006.
Each of the three detainees faced different charges, with Mr. Li accused of espionage, Mr. Swidan sentenced to death for drug-related charges, and Mr. Leung convicted of espionage and sentenced to life in prison.
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Relatives of Mr. Swidan and Mr. Li had appealed to the US government for help at a congressional hearing, sharing the hardships their loved ones faced during their detention in China.
The release involved the exchange of two Chinese individuals for the three Americans. Xu Yanjun, an officer for China’s Ministry of State Security, and Ji Chaoqun, a Chinese national, were identified as the individuals sent back to China.
The Dui Hua Foundation estimates that there are around 200 American detainees in China, with only a few classified as wrongfully detained by the US government. Several families are still waiting for the return of their loved ones detained in China.
Some have chosen not to make their cases public out of fear that it could hinder efforts for their release.
