US citizens freed in historic prisoner swap with China; President Biden prioritizes resolving cases of American citizens unjustly detained or subject to exit bans in China; Prisoner swaps between China and the US are rare, with this being a notable example.
Biden’s Meeting with Xi Jinping
Prioritizing Resolution of American Citizens Unjustly Detained in China
Earlier this month, President Biden met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Peru, prioritizing resolving cases of American citizens unjustly detained or subject to exit bans in China. This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts to address these issues through diplomatic channels.
Hearing on Americans Wrongfully Detained in China
Emphasizing Importance of Securing Release
In September, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China held a hearing on Americans wrongfully detained in China. Harrison Li spoke at this hearing, emphasizing the importance of securing his father’s release before President Biden leaves office.
History of Release
Prisoner Swaps between US and China are Rare
Prisoner swaps between China and the US are rare. Earlier this month, Biden met the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, in Peru. Biden said it was “a priority to resolve the cases of American citizens who are unjustly detained or subject to exit bans in China,” according to a US readout of the conversation.
Quotes from Individuals Involved
Urging President Biden to Use Remaining Days to Bring Home Remaining Americans
“We urge President Joe Biden to use the remaining days in his administration to bring home the remaining Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad,” Harrison Li, son of Kai Li, said. “The next few months before President Biden leaves office are thus a critical window for getting my dad home.”
Photos
Undated Photos of Released Individuals
Undated photos of Kai Li, Mark Swidan, and John Leung were released.
Source
News Outlets Report on Release
The release was reported by CNN, Politico, and other news outlets.
Background on the Released Individuals
Details on Charges and Imprisonment
-
Mark Swidan was facing a death sentence on drug charges.
-
Kai Li and John Leung were imprisoned on espionage charges.
-
The three individuals had been held in Chinese custody for several years, with their release being a result of intense diplomatic efforts by the Biden administration.
Statement from the White House
Announcing Release and Reunification
“Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years,” the White House said in a statement on Wednesday. This announcement marks a rare prisoner swap between China and the US, highlighting the complexities of international diplomacy.
Reaction from Government Officials and Advocates
Praise for Diplomatic Efforts
-
Republican House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul expressed his joy over the release, emphasizing the importance of standing firm against hostage diplomacy.
-
Democratic House Foreign Affairs ranking member Gregory Meeks praised the power of diplomacy in securing the release of the three Americans.
-
Harrison Li, son of Kai Li, has been a vocal advocate for his father’s release and has pushed the administration to do more to bring him home.
Context on Prisoner Swaps
Rarity of US-China Prisoner Swaps
Prisoner swaps between China and the US are rare. Recent closed-door negotiations have been a quiet approach in contrast to prisoner exchanges with Russia, where the US president personally greeted returning citizens at the airport.
Details of Release
Background on Charges and Imprisonment
Mark Swidan was detained in late 2012 on drug charges, while Kai Li and John Leung were imprisoned on espionage charges. Their release takes place fewer than two months before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. It follows years of quiet diplomatic efforts by the Biden administration, with President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan, and other US officials engaging with their counterparts on the matter.
Context of Release
The release of the three Americans is a rare example of a prisoner swap between China and the US. Recent closed-door negotiations are a quiet approach in sharp contrast to prisoner exchanges with Russia, where the US president and Vladimir Putin personally greeted returning citizens at the airport.
Reaction from Lawmakers
A number of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have expressed joy that Swidan, Li, and Leung were returning home. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz praised the administration’s work to secure the release of the three Americans from China.
