China and the U.S. have each released three citizens who were wrongfully detained in the other country, marking the culmination of years of diplomatic efforts as both nations seek to ease tensions.
The White House confirmed on Wednesday that China had freed U.S. citizens Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung. In return, the U.S. adjusted its travel advisory for China, lowering its risk warning, a change long advocated by Beijing, which U.S. officials have tied to the detention of American nationals.
The National Security Council announced that with this release, all Americans deemed wrongfully detained in China had now been freed. “Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years,” the statement read.
Politico, which first reported the release, also noted that a number of Chinese nationals held in the U.S. would be released. However, China’s embassy in Washington declined to comment, stating that such matters are handled according to law.
China’s foreign ministry confirmed that three Chinese citizens wrongfully detained by the U.S. had returned to China. Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that China strongly opposes U.S. actions that it views as politically motivated persecution of Chinese citizens.
Mao also revealed that a Chinese fugitive had been repatriated from the U.S., asserting that “no place can be a permanent safe haven for criminals.” However, China did not disclose the identities of those released or repatriated.
