An American Christian couple, who had dedicated years of their lives to China, has been handed lengthy prison sentences by a Chinese court on charges of espionage, in a case that has drawn sharp criticism from Washington and human rights organisations.
Victor and Cynthia Liu, the children of the convicted couple, have been thrust into a desperate fight for their parents' freedom, alleging that the charges are politically motivated and utterly baseless.
A Life Upended by Allegations
For decades, the couple were respected figures within their community, deeply involved in academic and cultural exchange programmes between the US and China. Their work was seen as a bridge between the two nations, fostering understanding and cooperation.
Their arrest sent shockwaves through their family and colleagues, who describe them as peaceful individuals dedicated to their faith and their work, not espionage.
Diplomatic Tensions and Human Rights Concerns
The sentencing has further strained the already complex relationship between the United States and China. A US State Department spokesperson confirmed they are providing consular assistance but reiterated serious concerns over the "complete lack of transparency" surrounding the case and the broader issue of "arbitrary detentions."
Human rights groups have pointed to this case as a stark example of China's use of its legal system to target foreign nationals, particularly those with religious affiliations it views with suspicion.
A Family's Agonising Wait
For the Liu siblings, the ordeal has been a nightmare. They have been unable to see their parents for years and communicate only through heavily monitored and infrequent letters. Their campaign for justice highlights the immense human cost of such geopolitical disputes, where families become collateral damage.
They continue to plead with both governments for a fair resolution, hoping for a diplomatic intervention that will bring their parents home.
