Three Americans Released From China Detention

The U.S. State Department has downgraded its travel advisory for China to Level 2 after the release of three Americans—Kai Li, Mark Swidan, and John Leung—who had been wrongfully detained for years. This change reflects a significant diplomatic achievement for the Biden administration, coinciding with heightened discussions with China regarding their release. The three men were exchanged for Chinese nationals held in the U.S., including individuals linked to espionage and theft of technology. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the men's safe return just in time for Thanksgiving and noted that this marks the end of wrongful detentions of Americans in China. The diplomatic negotiations surrounding their release have taken months, emphasizing ongoing tensions and complexities in U.S.-China relations. China, while not confirming the details of the swap, stated that their nationals had also been wrongfully detained in the U.S.