A U.S. government employee has been prohibited from leaving China after entering the country for personal reasons, according to a statement from the State Department on Tuesday. The individual works for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which falls under the Department of Commerce. While their identity has not been disclosed, the department confirmed it is monitoring the situation closely and engaging with Chinese officials to secure the person’s return.
“The safety and security of American citizens is the State Department’s highest priority,” the agency said in a statement.
China has a history of imposing exit bans on individuals who are subjects of investigations or civil disputes. However, international criticism has grown over the perception that the policy is being used arbitrarily to prevent both Chinese and foreign nationals from leaving the country.
Due to concerns over such restrictions and other safety issues, the U.S. government previously advised Americans to reconsider travel to China. The travel warning was only relaxed in November after Beijing released three U.S. citizens who had been detained for extended periods.
This latest case is not isolated. Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Chenyue Mao, a U.S.-based employee of Wells Fargo, was similarly barred from exiting China. In response, Wells Fargo announced a suspension of all business travel to the country.
The State Department declined to comment specifically on Mao’s case, citing privacy concerns. Wells Fargo stated Tuesday that it is closely monitoring the situation and working through appropriate diplomatic channels to help their employee return to the U.S.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Mao is involved in a legal case under investigation by Chinese authorities and is being held under exit restrictions “in accordance with the law.”
Guo added, “This is an individual judicial case. China welcomes people from all nations to travel and conduct business here and will safeguard their rights under the law.”
When asked about the U.S. government worker’s case, Guo said he had no further information but reiterated that China follows its legal procedures on all entry and exit matters.
In recent years, several Americans have faced similar restrictions. In one notable case, two American siblings were barred from leaving China and remained stuck there for three years after visiting family. They were finally permitted to return to the U.S. in 2021.
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