A U.S. Commerce Department employee is experiencing significant challenges following an "exit ban" imposed by Chinese authorities. The American citizen, whose identity remains undisclosed, has been prohibited from leaving China since mid-April after being interrogated by officers from the Ministry of State Security, China's primary intelligence agency.
According to a U.S. State Department cable dated May 2 and reported by The New York Times, the interrogation occurred while he was visiting family in southwestern China. During this incident, he was questioned about his previous military service, highlighting the pressures applied by Chinese officials.
On April 14, Chinese officers confiscated the employee’s passport and personal electronic devices, including a credit card and cellphone, while he was in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Though his passport was returned a week later, officials informed him that he could not depart from the country. His wife remains in the United States, which adds to the urgency of the situation.
The cable also details the U.S. diplomatic efforts, illustrating concerns surrounding the ongoing surveillance of the employee by Chinese agents during his stay in the country. News of the situation has garnered attention recently, prompting calls for action from U.S. officials amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
Efforts are being coordinated to secure the release of the employee, as this incident sheds light on the broader implications of U.S.-China relations and the risks that American citizens face while traveling in China.
