China Bars US Patent Official from Leaving Mainland, Beijing Defends Exit Ban as Legal

Chinese authorities have barred a U.S. Department of Commerce employee from leaving the mainland, deepening concerns over exit bans on American citizens. The move comes amid tensions over tariffs with Washington, where average duties on Chinese goods remain at 53.6%. Officials stress the incidents are unrelated but reflect rising travel risks for government and business visitors.

In a move that has raised concerns over the safety of American citizens in China, authorities in Beijing have barred a U.S. Department of Commerce employee from leaving the country. This incident comes amidst ongoing tensions between the United States and China, including disputes over tariffs [1].

The U.S. Department of Commerce employee, whose identity remains unspecified, was restricted from leaving China while traveling there in a personal capacity. The State Department has confirmed this restriction and is actively engaged with Chinese officials to resolve the situation [1]. The employee's passport, credit card, cellphone, and iPad were seized by Chinese authorities in Chengdu on April 14, and while the documents were returned on April 22, the employee was informed they could not leave the country [1].

This is not the first time Chinese authorities have imposed exit bans on U.S. citizens. In a separate incident, a Wells Fargo banker, Mao Chenyue, was also subjected to an exit ban and is facing criminal charges [1]. Mao is a U.S. citizen and Managing Director at Wells Fargo, based in Atlanta, leading the international factoring business [1]. Wells Fargo has stated that it is closely tracking this situation and working through the appropriate channels to facilitate Mao's return to the United States [1].

The Chinese government has cited legal reasons for these restrictions, stating that they are in accordance with the law. However, the U.S. State Department has warned Americans traveling in China to exercise increased caution, noting that China "arbitrarily enforces local laws" and may impose exit bans without a fair and transparent process [1].

These incidents come at a sensitive time in U.S.-China relations, with the two countries facing a looming August 12 deadline to strike a new trade deal to end a trade war that has been ongoing since January [1]. The escalating tariff war has increased risks for American companies doing business in China [1].

As tensions between the two economic superpowers persist, the safety and security of American citizens remain a priority for the U.S. State Department. The department has no higher priority than ensuring the safety and security of American citizens abroad, and is actively engaged in resolving these cases [1].

References:
[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-exit-ban-american-us-chamber-commerce-employee-wells-fargo-banker/
[2] https://www.newsday.com/news/nation/china-exit-ban-united-states-employee-y83654