Rep. Michael McCaul urges China to release two American citizens, Kai Li and Mark Swidan, following the recent release of pastor David Lin after nearly two decades of wrongful imprisonment.
At a Glance
- American pastor David Lin released after nearly 20 years in Chinese prison
- Rep. McCaul calls for immediate release of Kai Li and Mark Swidan
- Over 200 Americans reportedly under coercive measures in China
- Concerns raised about China’s “hostage diplomacy” and arbitrary legal practices
American Pastor Released After Nearly Two Decades
In a significant development, American pastor David Lin has been released from detention in China and has returned to the United States after nearly 20 years. Lin, 68, was detained in 2006 while assisting an underground church in China and subsequently sentenced to life in prison in 2009 on charges of contract fraud. His sentence had been reduced, with a scheduled release date of December 2029, before his unexpected early release.
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The U.S. government had long considered Lin to be wrongfully detained, and his release marks a significant diplomatic achievement. Upon his return, Lin was reunited with his family for the first time in nearly two decades. The State Department confirmed Lin’s release but did not disclose whether any prisoners were swapped to secure his freedom.
Calls for Release of Other Detained Americans
While Lin’s release is a cause for celebration, attention has now turned to two other American citizens still detained in China: Kai Li and Mark Swidan. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has urged China to release these individuals immediately. Li and Swidan are being held on espionage and drug-related charges, respectively, and are considered “unjustly detained” by the U.S. State Department.
“I am extremely glad to hear David Lin was freed from his 17 year-long wrongful imprisonment by the CCP. His capture, like so many others, marks a rising trend of hostage diplomacy by authoritarians around the world,” House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) said in a statement. “However, Kai Li and Texan Mark Swidan still remain CCP prisoners — and must be freed now.”
The Bring Our Families Home campaign has expressed elation over Lin’s release and urged President Joe Biden to act swiftly to secure the release of Li and Swidan. This call to action comes amid broader concerns about China’s arbitrary legal practices and the growing trend of “hostage diplomacy” by authoritarian regimes.
Concerns Over China’s Detention Practices
Reports indicate that over 200 Americans are currently subjected to coercive measures in China, raising alarm about the country’s legal system and treatment of foreign nationals. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and other advocacy groups have long cited political motivations behind charges against individuals like Lin, particularly those involved with unregistered churches, which are considered illegal in China.
“Those who participate in and lead house churches often face intimidation, harassment, arrest, and harsh sentences,” the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom noted.
The Chinese foreign ministry has not commented on Lin’s release or the status of other detained Americans. As diplomatic efforts continue, the U.S. government remains committed to securing the release of all unjustly detained Americans abroad, with China being a particular focus due to the high number of cases.
Diplomatic Efforts and Future Outlook
Recent diplomatic engagements, including U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan’s visit to Beijing in late August and his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, have raised hopes for progress on these cases. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) has urged President Biden to address the issue of detained Americans with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the upcoming APEC Summit in San Francisco.
As the international community watches closely, the release of David Lin serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Americans detained abroad and the critical importance of continued diplomatic efforts to secure their freedom. The cases of Kai Li and Mark Swidan now stand at the forefront of these efforts, with their families and advocates hoping for a swift resolution.
