Three American citizens who had been detained in China have been released, according to a State Department spokesperson. The three individuals are Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung. Li, 70, from Long Island, New York, was detained in 2016 and sentenced to 10 years on espionage charges. Swidan, a Texas businessman, was detained since 2012 and was sentenced to death with a reprieve in 2019 on drug-related charges. Leung, an American with permanent residency in Hong Kong, was sentenced to life in prison last year for espionage.
The families of the three released Americans expressed gratitude for their return in time for Thanksgiving. The news follows the surprise release of American pastor David Lin in September, who had been jailed in China since 2006. The Dui Hua Foundation estimates around 200 American detainees in China, with the State Department classifying only a handful as wrongfully detained.
The families of the released Americans had been pushing for their return, appearing before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China to advocate for their loved ones’ release. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had worked closely with Harrison Li to secure Kai Li’s release. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping had discussed the detainee issue at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
While these individuals have been released, there are still many Americans detained in China awaiting their return. The families hope for continued efforts to bring their loved ones home.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
