US Government Employee Barred from Leaving China in “Personal Capacity”
A US government employee has been barred from leaving China, the U.S. State Department revealed, intensifying concerns about Beijing’s increasing use of exit bans.
According to U.S. officials, the individual works for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office under the Department of Commerce and had been visiting China in a personal capacity when they were hit with the restriction.
The employee reportedly failed to disclose their government affiliation during the visa process, which Chinese authorities cited as a violation.
The State Department stated that it is in active communication with Chinese officials and is pushing for a swift resolution to the situation.
Growing Use of Exit Bans by Chinese Authorities
US government employee barred from leaving China amid travel crackdown
The case highlights a broader trend that has alarmed foreign governments and international businesses. Chinese authorities have increasingly implemented exit bans legal measures that prevent individuals from leaving the country often without transparency or due process.
The United States and other Western countries have criticized China’s use of exit bans, particularly when applied to dual nationals, business executives, or government workers.
In this case, the U.S. government has not released the identity of the employee or details about their legal status.
Recent Cases Heighten Diplomatic Tensions
Wells Fargo employee also targeted
This incident follows a similar case involving Wells Fargo executive Chenyue Mao, who was prevented from leaving China due to an ongoing criminal investigation. In response, Wells Fargo suspended all employee travel to the country.
Both cases underscore the risks faced by U.S. nationals traveling to China, especially as U.S.–China relations remain strained over issues including trade, technology, and national security.
U.S. Issues Travel Warnings Amid Rising Restrictions
The U.S. State Department has issued a strong advisory urging Americans to “exercise increased caution” when traveling to China, citing arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans.
Human rights groups and business coalitions have echoed these warnings, emphasizing that such actions damage international trust and raise legal uncertainties.
This latest development involving a US government employee barred from leaving China adds to growing diplomatic friction between the world’s two largest economies. As calls grow for greater transparency and legal fairness, the outcome of this case could have broader implications for U.S.–China relations and international travel norms.
Source: Reuters, Al Jazeera, TRT, Financial Times and BBC
