Following diplomatic discussions between the United States and China, an American banking executive, Chenyue Mao of Wells Fargo, has been released from a Chinese exit ban. Two sources familiar with the situation confirmed Mao's departure, ending a period of uncertainty for the Atlanta-based banker. The exit ban, imposed by the Chinese government, prevented her from leaving the country. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and China regarding exit bans, which have affected numerous American citizens. The US State Department has consistently warned travelers about China's arbitrary enforcement of laws, including these exit bans.
The release was alluded to by US Special Envoy for Hostage Response, Adam Boehler, who cited high-level engagement between the two governments. He emphasized President Trump's commitment to securing the release of Americans detained abroad, suggesting that engagement at senior levels, including discussions between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with their Chinese counterparts, played a crucial role. The timing of the release, preceding a planned call between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping, is also significant. Boehler indicated that China's response might have been influenced by the recent US executive order designating countries that wrongfully detain Americans as 'state sponsors of wrongful detention'.
While the Chinese government hasn't officially confirmed the lifting of Mao's exit ban, spokesperson Liu Pengyu reiterated China's commitment to upholding the rule of law and handling entry/exit matters accordingly. However, the specifics of the alleged criminal investigation involving Mao remain unclear, and concerns regarding the treatment of US citizens of Chinese descent under Chinese law persist. The lack of transparency surrounding the case underscores the ongoing challenges in US-China relations. Wells Fargo has yet to comment publicly on the matter. The successful resolution of this case, however, offers a rare moment of progress in a complex and often tense relationship between the two superpowers.
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Originally published at: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/17/politics/us-banker-allowed-leave-china
