WASHINGTON (BN24) — A U.S. government employee has been barred from departing China after traveling there in a personal capacity, the State Department confirmed Tuesday, marking the latest case in which Beijing has prevented an American citizen from leaving the country.
The individual, an employee of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office under the Commerce Department, has not been publicly identified. The State Department said it is “tracking this case very closely” and has been in contact with Chinese authorities in hopes of securing a resolution.
“The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens,” a spokesperson said.
China’s increasingly frequent use of exit bans — restrictions that prevent foreign nationals from leaving the country — has drawn scrutiny from Washington and human rights groups. While Chinese officials often cite legal investigations or civil disputes as justification, critics say the measure is sometimes wielded arbitrarily or for political leverage.
The latest development comes amid renewed concerns about the safety of Americans traveling to China. Although the U.S. government eased its travel advisory to China last November — following the release of three long-detained U.S. citizens — the practice of barring departures continues to strain bilateral relations.
Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Chenyue Mao, a U.S.-based Wells Fargo banker, had also been blocked from leaving China. In response, the bank suspended all staff travel to the country. Mao’s case has not been officially confirmed by U.S. authorities, who declined to comment citing “privacy and other considerations.”
Wells Fargo issued a brief statement on Tuesday: “We are closely tracking this situation and working through the appropriate channels so our employee can return to the United States as soon as possible.”
China’s Foreign Ministry addressed the case, with spokesman Guo Jiakun confirming that Mao is “involved in a criminal case” and is “subject to exit restrictions in accordance with the law.” Guo characterized the matter as a “judicial case” and insisted that China remains open to international visitors.
“China will as always welcome people from all countries to travel and do business in China and ensure their rights and interests in accordance with the law,” Guo said.
Pressed on the case of the U.S. government employee, Guo offered no new details, stating only that “China upholds the rule of law and handles entry and exit affairs in accordance with the law.”
Exit bans have affected other American citizens in recent years. In 2021, two American siblings were allowed to leave China after being stranded there for more than three years due to an investigation involving their father, a former Chinese official accused of corruption. The pair had been visiting relatives when they were barred from leaving.
The latest case underscores ongoing diplomatic friction between Washington and Beijing, particularly regarding legal transparency, citizen protections, and consular access. U.S. officials have repeatedly urged Americans to exercise increased caution when traveling to China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans.
