China's Exit Ban on US Commerce Employee Sparks Outrage from Secretary Lutnick

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has condemned China's move to prevent a Commerce Department employee from exiting the country as "outrageous behavior." The employee, a US Patent and Trademark Office employee, was stopped from departing for several months due to a failure to disclose government employment on a visa application. Lutnick stated that the State Department is working to resolve the situation.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has condemned China's move to prevent a Commerce Department employee from exiting the country, labeling it "outrageous behavior." The employee, a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) employee, was stopped from departing for several months due to a failure to disclose government employment on a visa application [1].

The incident occurred while the employee was visiting family in China. Chinese authorities seized the individual's passport, credit card, cellphone, and iPad upon arrival in Chengdu on April 14, according to a New York Times report [1]. The employee's documents were returned on April 22, but he was told he could not leave the country [1].

A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that the situation is being closely monitored and that efforts are being made to resolve the issue swiftly [1]. The State Department has advised Americans traveling in China to exercise increased caution, as exit bans can be arbitrarily enforced without a fair and transparent process [1].

The latest incident comes amidst strained relations between the U.S. and China, with ongoing trade disputes and diplomatic tensions. In late June, both sides agreed on the framework of a new trade deal, but an August 12 deadline looms for a final agreement [1].

This situation highlights a broader pattern of China's use of exit bans as a tool to suppress dissent or exert diplomatic pressure. The Chinese government has also been applying these restrictions to foreign nationals involved in civil disputes, regulatory enforcement actions, and criminal investigations [2].

Wells Fargo banker Chenyue Mao, a U.S. citizen, has also been prevented from leaving China due to a criminal investigation [1]. Wells Fargo has suspended all employee travel to China following Mao's exit ban [2].

The use of exit bans remains a contentious issue, complicating efforts to normalize U.S.-China relations amid ongoing geopolitical rivalry.

References:
[1] https://www.yahoo.com/news/china-blocks-u-government-worker-135131992.html
[2] https://caliber.az/en/post/us-commerce-employee-blocked-in-china-as-exit-bans-escalate