China is blocking several American citizens—including a U.S. Commerce Department employee and a Wells Fargo executive—from leaving the country, raising concerns that Beijing is using “exit bans” as a pressure tactic amid strained U.S.–China relations.
Key Facts:
- China has reportedly barred dozens of Americans from leaving, including a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office employee detained since April 14.
- The employee’s passport was returned on April 22, but he remains stuck in China under an exit ban with no criminal charges reported.
- Wells Fargo managing director Chenyue Mao is also blocked from leaving, reportedly due to links to a criminal probe.
- The U.S. State Department confirmed concerns over China’s use of exit bans and urged the release of affected citizens.
- A Level 2 travel advisory warns Americans to “exercise increased caution” when traveling to China due to arbitrary law enforcement.
The Rest of The Story:
The U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation after learning that a Commerce Department employee, traveling privately, has been held in China since mid-April.
His belongings—including a passport, phone, and iPad—were seized by Chinese authorities.
Although the passport was returned after eight days, the man has been forbidden from returning to the U.S.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson claimed that China follows “the rule of law” in its border policies but provided no specifics on this case.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. echoed this position, stating that foreign visitors are welcome but must abide by Chinese laws.
Also stranded is Chenyue Mao, a senior banker at Wells Fargo.
She is reportedly tied to a criminal investigation, although the nature of the probe remains unclear.
In response, Wells Fargo has suspended all employee travel to China.
U.S. officials have warned that China often imposes exit bans without transparent procedures.
A November 2024 travel advisory warns travelers to remain cautious due to potential detentions and exit restrictions.
Chenyue Mao, an Atlanta-based managing director at Wells Fargo and a US citizen, was barred from departing China after she recently travelled there for work. https://t.co/rNWw8EnEbU pic.twitter.com/MDcV3W8BlC
— Financial Times (@FT) July 18, 2025
Commentary:
Preventing American citizens from returning home without legal charges is not merely a diplomatic concern—it’s a human rights issue.
China’s use of exit bans appears less like a legal process and more like hostage diplomacy. The Commerce Department employee has not been charged with any crime.
He was in China on personal travel and has cooperated with authorities. Yet he remains separated from his wife and unable to return home.
The same applies to Chenyue Mao. While Beijing claims she is connected to a criminal matter, no charges or trial process has been disclosed.
Detaining people in-country indefinitely without transparency calls into question the intent behind such policies. The U.S. must push back harder.
President Trump has hinted at a possible face-to-face meeting with President Xi over trade and other strategic issues. That conversation should include one key demand: let our citizens go.
Any country that wants full access to U.S. markets and diplomatic channels should not be allowed to detain American citizens arbitrarily. These actions by Beijing erode trust and raise serious risks for anyone doing business or visiting the country.
For now, the message is clear: Americans should think twice before traveling to China. Until this issue is resolved, U.S. citizens—especially those in government or corporate roles—face unnecessary risks abroad.
It’s time for Washington to demand accountability. The freedom to return home is a basic right.
When that right is denied without cause, it’s time to reevaluate the relationship.
The Bottom Line:
China is reportedly blocking American travelers—including a government worker and a banker—from leaving the country without clear legal grounds.
These exit bans have no due process and reflect a troubling trend of detaining foreigners without explanation.
With trade talks looming, the U.S. must make the return of its citizens a non-negotiable priority.
Travel to China is now a serious risk for Americans.
Read Next
– Slimy Self Serving GOP Rep Abruptly Resigns From Congress, GOP House Majority Shrinks Further
– House Speaker Johnson Sends Congress on Recess Early Over Epstein Votes
– Why Are Legacy Media Outlets So Silent About Gabbards Explosive Russia Collusion Hoax Claims?
– Cracker Barrel Gets Hit With Legal Complaint Over Its DEI Based Hiring Programs