The Chinese government has blocked a US federal employee from leaving the country, the US State Department has confirmed. The employee, who works for the US Patent and Trademark Office, was visiting China in a personal capacity. A State Department spokesperson said the case is being tracked closely and that US officials are engaged with Chinese authorities to resolve the situation quickly.
Chinese authorities also confirmed that another American, Wells Fargo banker Chenyue Mao, has been blocked from leaving. Both individuals have been subjected to an 'exit ban', a mechanism used by China to bar individuals from leaving for reasons ranging from criminal investigations to diplomatic leverage.
The exact reasons for the federal employee's exit ban remain unclear. The Washington Post previously reported that the worker, whose identity has not been released, was stopped after failing to disclose his government employment on his visa application. He reportedly also served in the US Army. This is believed to be the first time a US government employee has been affected.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said he had 'no details to share' about the federal employee's case but confirmed Mao's exit ban, stating she is involved in a criminal case and obliged to cooperate with an investigation. Wells Fargo has since banned all employees from travelling to China.
Exit bans have been used increasingly since President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, according to a 2023 report by Safeguard Defenders. The report noted that China has expanded the legal landscape for exit bans and used them sometimes outside legal justification. Previous cases include activists, journalists, and family members of individuals of interest to the Chinese government.
