China releases five Mintz Group employees after two-year detention

China has released five staff members of the US due diligence firm Mintz Group after nearly two years of detention, a move seen as an effort to reassure foreign businesses amid declining foreign investment. Their release coincided with the conclusion of the China Development Forum, which featured prominent foreign executives, including Apple's Tim Cook. Mintz Group's employees were detained in March 2023 during a crackdown on consulting firms amid rising espionage concerns. The Chinese government has been working to revive its economy, which has seen foreign direct investment plummet significantly. Mintz Group expressed gratitude towards Chinese authorities for the release, emphasizing the importance of welcoming multinational corporations. Despite the release, concerns remain regarding the balance between national security and foreign business interests in China.