As Rep. Michael McCaul urges China to release detained Americans, the recent release of a wrongfully imprisoned pastor sheds light on the ongoing issue of “hostage diplomacy.”
At a Glance
- American pastor David Lin released after nearly 20 years of wrongful detention in China
- Rep. McCaul calls for immediate release of two other detained Americans: Kai Li and Mark Swidan
- Over 200 Americans reportedly subject to coercive measures in China
- Concerns raised about China’s use of “hostage diplomacy” for political leverage
American Pastor Released After Nearly Two Decades
In a significant development, American pastor David Lin has been released from detention in China after nearly 20 years behind bars. Lin, now 68, was detained in 2006 and sentenced to life in prison in 2009 on charges of contract fraud. His sentence had been reduced, with an expected release date of December 2029, before his unexpected early release this past weekend.
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The U.S. government had long considered Lin to be wrongfully detained, and his release marks a rare positive outcome in the ongoing tensions between the United States and China over detained American citizens. Lin has now returned to the United States and reunited with his family for the first time in almost two decades.
CHM @RepMcCaul: "As wrongfully detained Americans return home today from Russia, we cannot forget about those held around the world including those in China — particularly Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and David Lin. They deserve to be home with their families. One American wrongfully…
— House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority (@HouseForeignGOP) August 2, 2024
State Department Welcomes Lin’s Release, Remains Silent on Details
The U.S. State Department expressed satisfaction with Lin’s release but refrained from disclosing whether any prisoner swaps were involved in securing his freedom. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated, “We welcome David Lin’s release from prison in the People’s Republic of China. He has returned to the United States and reunited with his family for the first time in nearly 20 years. It’s something that we have been working on for some time.”
“We welcome David Lin’s release from prison in the People’s Republic of China. He has returned to the United States and now gets to see his family for the first time in nearly 20 years,” – the State Department said in a statement.
While Lin’s release is a positive step, it has brought renewed attention to the plight of other Americans still detained in China, particularly Kai Li and Mark Swidan, who are serving long prison sentences on espionage and drug-related charges, respectively.
Rep. McCaul Calls for Release of Remaining Detainees
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) has been vocal in his calls for the immediate release of Kai Li and Mark Swidan. McCaul criticized the trend of “hostage diplomacy” by authoritarian regimes, highlighting the political nature of these detentions.
“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.” – Source
The Bring Our Families Home campaign, while expressing elation over Lin’s release, has urged President Joe Biden to act swiftly to secure the release of Li and Swidan. This call to action underscores the ongoing concern for Americans still detained in China.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Concerns
Lin’s case highlights the broader issue of religious freedom in China, where unregistered churches are considered illegal, and their leaders often face severe penalties. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and other advocacy groups have long cited political motivations behind charges against individuals like Lin.
“Those who participate in and lead house churches often face intimidation, harassment, arrest, and harsh sentences,” – the U.S. religious freedom commission noted.
With an estimated 200 Americans under coercive measures in China, more than in any other country worldwide, the need for diplomatic action remains urgent. The release of Americans jailed in Russia has further spotlighted those imprisoned in China, prompting calls for similar efforts to be made on their behalf.
As tensions between the U.S. and China continue, the fate of detained Americans remains a critical issue in bilateral relations. The recent visit of U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan to Beijing and his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi may signal ongoing efforts to address these concerns at the highest levels of government.
Sources:
- China releases American pastor wrongfully detained
- An American pastor held in a Chinese jail for nearly two decades is finally home
- American Pastor Detained in China for Nearly 20 Years Released
