Three American citizens detained in China for years have been released as part of a prisoner exchange between Washington and Beijing.
“We are pleased to announce the release of Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung from detention in the People’s Republic of China,” a spokesperson from the U.S. National Security Council stated on Wednesday. “They will soon return home and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years.”
The release follows a diplomatic agreement where the U.S. exchanged unidentified Chinese nationals for the three Americans. All three are now in U.S. custody, according to officials.
The U.S. Department of State also announced a reduction in the travel advisory level for mainland China, shifting it to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This adjustment reflects an improvement in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The release of Swidan, Li, and Leung highlights a significant moment in U.S.-China relations amidst ongoing tensions. Further details about the exchanged individuals and the circumstances of their detentions remain undisclosed.
This development marks a critical step in reuniting families and underscores the continuing diplomatic efforts between the two global powers.