U.S. government employee banned from leaving China

According to the Associated Press, a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office employee who traveled to China on a personal trip has been prohibited from leaving the country.

This case is one of the latest instances in which China has prevented U.S. citizens from departing for various reasons. The U.S. State Department said it is closely monitoring the matter and is in discussions with Chinese authorities.

“The safety and freedom of movement of U.S. citizens is our top priority,” the department said in a statement.

China's exit bans and international criticism
The Chinese government sometimes imposes exit bans on individuals involved in investigations or business disputes. However, international observers say such measures are often unjustified or used as a form of political pressure. These bans are applied not only to Chinese citizens but also to foreigners.

The growing number of such incidents in 2024 led the U.S. government to advise its citizens to reconsider travel to China. The advisory was only relaxed in November 2024 after three U.S. citizens detained for years were released.

Private sector also affected: Wells Fargo employee banned
Recently, Chenyue Mao, a U.S.-based employee of Wells Fargo, was similarly forced to stay in China. The situation prompted the bank to suspend all business travel to the country.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, Mao is involved in a criminal case, and the exit ban was imposed “in accordance with the law.” Officials described the case as a “private judicial matter.”

No comment was given on the U.S. government employee's case. Guo simply stated:

“I have no details to share. China upholds the rule of law and handles entry and exit affairs in accordance with the law,” he said. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!