By Michael D. Carroll
Breaking News Editor
Three American citizens who had been imprisoned in China for years were released and are on their way back to the United States, the White House announced Wednesday.
The development marks a significant diplomatic achievement in the final months of President Joe Biden's administration.
The individuals—Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung—had been designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. government. Swidan had faced a death sentence on drug charges, while Li and Leung were serving sentences for alleged espionage.
"Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years," the White House said in a statement.
A U.S. official disclosed that the Biden administration had persistently raised their cases in discussions with Chinese officials over several years. The efforts culminated in a high-stakes dialogue earlier this month when President Biden met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru.
The release highlights a rare moment of cooperation amid otherwise strained U.S.-China relations, offering a glimmer of hope for future diplomatic progress between the two global powers.
More to follow.
English (US) ·