The Chinese government has officially blocked a US federal employee from departing from China, as confirmed by the US State Department. The employee in question is affiliated with the US Patent and Trademark Office and was visiting China for personal reasons when the exit ban was imposed. A spokesperson from the State Department stated, “We are tracking this case very closely and are engaged with Chinese officials to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.”
In addition to the federal employee, Chinese authorities have also confirmed that another American, Chenyue Mao, a banker at Wells Fargo, has been subjected to a similar exit ban. Both individuals are now facing what is termed an “exit ban,” a contentious measure utilized by the Chinese government to prevent both Chinese citizens and foreigners from leaving the country. These bans can result from various issues, including criminal investigations, unresolved civil disputes, or even as tools in diplomatic negotiations.
The specific reasons for the federal employee's exit ban remain unclear at this time. However, a report from the Washington Post indicated that the individual was stopped from leaving China after failing to disclose his government employment during the visa application process. It has also been noted that this particular case marks the first instance of a US government employee being affected by such an exit ban. Additionally, the employee reportedly has a background as a member of the US Army.
During a regular press briefing, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, stated that he had “no details to share” regarding the federal employee's case. However, Guo confirmed the exit ban on Chenyue Mao, emphasizing her involvement in a criminal case and her obligation to cooperate with an ongoing investigation. “Chenyue Mao is involved in a criminal case currently being handled by Chinese law-enforcement authorities and is subject to exit restrictions in accordance with the law,” Guo stated.
In light of these developments, Wells Fargo has implemented a travel ban for all employees to China following Mao's detention. Mao is a naturalized US citizen of Chinese descent, and her case has raised significant concerns among businesses operating in China regarding the risks associated with travel to the country.
A report released in 2023 by Safeguard Defenders highlights that since Xi Jinping assumed power in 2012, China has significantly expanded its legal framework governing exit bans. The report indicates that these bans have increasingly been employed, often without clear legal justification, raising alarms among international observers and human rights advocates.
As the situation develops, the effects of these exit bans on US-China relations and the safety of American citizens in China remain a pressing concern.
