Beijing, China – Three Americans who were detained in China have been released in exchange for three Chinese prisoners held in the US. The Biden administration successfully negotiated a prisoner swap that resulted in the return of Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung to the United States. The National Security Council confirmed the release of the Americans in a statement on Wednesday, expressing joy at their imminent reunification with their families after being separated for many years.
The exchange, which had been in the works for months, also saw the release of Chinese citizens who were held in US custody. Chinese authorities acknowledged the successful repatriation of their citizens in a statement from foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. The Chinese government emphasized its opposition to the alleged mistreatment of Chinese nationals by the United States for political reasons.
President Biden personally raised the issue of wrongfully detained Americans in China during a recent meeting with President Xi Jinping, showing a strong commitment to resolving the situation. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also played a key role in advocating for the Americans’ return during his visit to China earlier in the year. The efforts of the Biden administration and diplomatic discussions with China ultimately resulted in the safe return of all wrongfully detained Americans.
Mark Swidan, who had been facing the death penalty on narcotics trafficking charges since 2012, was among those released in the swap. Kai Li, arrested in China in 2016 on spying charges that activists deemed fabricated, also regained freedom. John Leung, a pro-Beijing activist sentenced to life in prison on espionage charges in 2021, was the third American to be included in the exchange.
The deal represents a significant diplomatic accomplishment for President Biden as he nears the end of his term. This success follows previous efforts to secure the release of wrongfully detained Americans around the world, including pastor David Lin, who was imprisoned in China for over a decade before being freed. With this latest success, the United States has also adjusted its travel advisory level for mainland China to reflect improved conditions.