China Bans Exit for Wells Fargo Executive, US Commerce Official Amid Trade Tensions

China has imposed exit bans on two American citizens: Wells Fargo executive Mao Chenyue and a U.S. Department of Commerce employee, raising concerns about the opaque use of such restrictions amid strained U.S.-China relations. Mao, a managing director at Wells Fargo and Shanghai-born U.S. citizen, is involved in a criminal investigation and required to cooperate while barred from leaving China, though details of the case remain undisclosed. The U.S. State Department is closely monitoring both cases, emphasizing the safety of American citizens and engaging with Chinese officials to resolve the situations. The exit bans highlight risks for foreign businesses and employees operating in China, prompting Wells Fargo to suspend employee travel to mainland China. Chinese authorities maintain that the bans are lawful and part of standard criminal investigations, asserting protection of foreigners' legitimate rights during the process. These developments come amid ongoing trade tensions and diplomatic strains between the U.S. and China.