US Returns 4 Prisoners to China in Exchange for 3 Americans in Rare Deal

China has disclosed that the United States has repatriated four Chinese nationals to Beijing as part of a diplomatic agreement which has also led to the freeing of three Americans who were previously imprisoned in China for years.

“Three Chinese citizens have returned to the motherland safe and sound,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, adding that “a fugitive who escaped to the U.S. many years ago has also been repatriated to China.” The announcement, made on Thursday, did not identify the four individuals.

“China always firmly opposes U.S. suppression and persecution of Chinese nationals out of political purposes,” Mao stated, emphasizing Beijing’s determination to pursue fugitives abroad.

Who Are the Three Americans Freed by China?

The White House confirmed on Wednesday that three American citizens imprisoned for years in China are returning to the United States. The release marks a rare diplomatic success for the Biden administration while it nears its final months in office.

The freed Americans—Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung—had been labeled as wrongfully detained by the U.S. government. Swidan faced a death sentence on drug charges, while Li and Leung were convicted on espionage charges.

“Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years,” the White House said.

Why Are there Tensions Between Washington and Beijing?

Relations between the U.S. and China have long been fraught, with disputes over trade, human rights, Taiwan, and China’s actions in the South China Sea.

However, the Biden administration has consistently raised the issue of detained Americans during diplomatic discussions, including President Joe Biden’s recent meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru.

Li, a New York resident and Chinese immigrant, was detained in 2016 and accused of providing state secrets to the FBI.

His family called the charges politically motivated, and the U.N. labeled his imprisonment arbitrary. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who had worked to secure Li’s release, welcomed the news. “Even when it felt like there was no hope, we never stopped believing that one day Mr. Li would return home,” Schumer said.

Senators React and Travel Warnings Shift

Swidan, who had been jailed for 12 years on a drug charge, and Leung, sentenced to life in prison last year, were also considered wrongfully detained.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas credited Biden administration officials for their efforts, saying he was “overjoyed” by Swidan’s release.

The State Department updated its travel advisory for China, lowering it to “level two” while cautioning Americans about arbitrary law enforcement and exit bans. Despite persistent tensions, Wednesday’s release signals that dialogue between the two nations remains possible, even amid broader disagreements.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press