China has denied allegations of wrongdoing in preventing dozens of Americans from leaving the country under an ‘exit ban’ policy, which has sparked diplomatic tensions with the United States. According to reports, an American citizen working for the U.S. Commerce Department has been barred from leaving China since April, with his passport and other personal items seized, though it was later returned. Despite the passport’s return, the individual was not permitted to depart, raising concerns about the enforcement of exit bans.
The U.S. State Department has raised concerns over the arbitrary nature of these restrictions, which lack transparency and may affect the well-being of U.S. citizens abroad. A spokesperson noted that China has long imposed exit bans on foreign nationals, often without clear procedures for resolution. This has led to increased scrutiny and calls for the Chinese government to allow impacted individuals to return home, underscoring growing diplomatic friction.
The issue has been compounded by recent reports of other U.S. citizens and executives, including a Wells Fargo Managing Director, being similarly restricted from leaving China. These measures have prompted businesses like Wells Fargo to suspend travel to the country, reflecting broader concerns about the geopolitical risks associated with operations in China. The U.S. continues to urge China to address these restrictions, emphasizing the impact on bilateral relations and the rights of its citizens.