Lawmakers Urge Biden to Secure Release of Americans in China

Bipartisan lawmakers, led by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), are urging President Biden to prioritize the release of Americans wrongfully detained in China before he leaves office in January. They highlighted that many detainees, including Kai Li and Mark Swidan, face harsh conditions and have been sentenced under dubious charges, with an average imprisonment of twelve years. The lawmakers emphasized the need for Biden to advocate for these individuals during meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing a lack of adequate nutrition and medical care for the detained. They referenced the release of pastor David Lin after nearly two decades but stressed that more than 200 Americans remain under coercive measures in China. The letter also called for regular updates for the families of the detained and a formal tracking system for American hostages. Human rights groups support these claims, indicating widespread mistreatment of detained Americans in China.