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By Gabe Whisnant
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The U.S. State Department said Tuesday it is working with Beijing regarding the case of a U.S. government employee barred from leaving China.
The individual, who works for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office under the Commerce Department, was traveling in a personal capacity when Chinese authorities blocked their departure. Without naming the employee, the State Department emphasized that officials are actively engaged with their Chinese counterparts to resolve the situation swiftly.
"The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens," a spokesperson said in a statement.
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China has long employed exit bans for individuals involved in legal or business disputes, but U.S. officials and human rights advocates have criticized the practice as opaque and arbitrary. In response to these risks, the U.S. government had previously advised Americans to reconsider travel to China—an advisory only eased late last year after the release of three long-detained U.S. citizens.
Wells Fargo Banker Banned from Exiting China: What to Know
This latest incident comes amid renewed scrutiny of China's exit ban policies, including the high-profile case of Chenyue Mao, a U.S.-based Wells Fargo banker recently barred from leaving the country. While the State Department declined to comment on Mao's case, citing privacy concerns, Wells Fargo said it is working through appropriate channels to secure her return.
Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry claimed Mao is involved in a criminal case and is under "exit restrictions in accordance with the law," adding that China "welcomes" foreign visitors and respects their rights.
"Let me stress that it is an individual judicial case," Guo said.
Asked about the case involving the U.S. government employee, Guo said: "I have no details to share. China upholds the rule of law and handles entry and exit affairs in accordance with the law.
Donald Trump's Trade War with China
The incident involving a U.S. government employee comes amid President Trump's ongoing and bitter trade war with China.
The president suggested Tuesday a visit to China could take place in the "not too distant" future, signaling the potential for a high-level meeting with President Xi Jinping as both sides look to ease tensions following years of trade friction.
Speaking alongside Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House, Trump praised the U.S.'s "fantastic military relationship" with Manila, framing it as part of a broader effort to counter Beijing's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Despite ongoing strategic competition, Trump emphasized a thaw in relations with China, claiming the two nations are "getting along very well" and highlighting resumed shipments of rare earth magnets critical to U.S. tech and manufacturing.
A Trump-Xi summit, widely speculated since Trump's return to office, is seen by analysts as a pivotal step in stabilizing a fragile bilateral relationship marked by rivalry and deep skepticism. Observers say Beijing views a meeting between the two leaders as essential for resetting ties, believing that Trump ultimately controls the direction of U.S. policy on China, even amid more hawkish voices in his administration.
What Happens Next
China's use of travel restrictions has previously stranded Americans for extended periods. In one case, two American siblings were unable to leave the country for three years before they were allowed to return to the U.S. in 2021.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Update: 7/22/25, 7:51 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
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