Three Americans Detained in China Released, to Reunite with Families After Years Apart

The release of three detained American citizens from China has brought a wave of relief and gratitude, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the State Department. The individuals, identified as Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung, faced various charges during their time in detention.

Detained Americans and Their Charges

Kai Li, a 70-year-old resident of Long Island, New York, was detained in 2016 and sentenced to 10 years in 2018 on espionage charges that his family asserts are unfounded. Mark Swidan, a businessman from Texas in his 40s, faced detention since 2012 and was sentenced to death with a reprieve in 2019 after being convicted on drug-related charges that a United Nations working group claimed lacked any evidential basis. John Leung, in his 70s, also faced severe charges, being sentenced to life in prison last year for espionage by a court in eastern China. Leung had been detained in 2021 and was associated with a pro-Beijing group in the United States and had been seen with senior Chinese officials, according to news outlets from Hong Kong and China.

Reunion with Families

The release of these American citizens has sparked joy and relief among their families, as they are expected to reunite for the first time in many years. A State Department spokesperson expressed this sentiment, stating, “Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., revealed his close collaboration with Li’s son, Harrison, to advocate for Li’s release and safe return to his family in Huntington, New York. He emphasized the unwavering belief in Li’s eventual return home and the immense gratitude to be able to welcome him back to New York soon. The anticipation of a heartwarming Thanksgiving reunion was also shared by Schumer and the families of the freed Americans.

The release of these detained citizens came after the surprise release in September of American pastor David Lin, who was classified as wrongfully detained. Lin had been serving a life sentence in China since 2006 on charges of contract fraud. The Dui Hua Foundation, an organization monitoring prisoner rights in China, estimates that there are approximately 200 American detainees in China, including those imprisoned and those prevented from leaving while their case is under investigation. While the State Department recognizes only a few as wrongfully detained, the situation reflects a complex legal and diplomatic landscape. In response to these developments, the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately provide a comment on the matter, leaving room for further dialogue and negotiation on such cases.