The Chinese government has blocked two Americans from leaving the country, including a US federal employee from the Patent and Trademark Office. The worker, who served in the US Army, was stopped from departing after failing to disclose his government employment on his visa application.
Wells Fargo banker Chenyue Mao is the other individual affected by an exit ban. Chinese authorities claim she is involved in a criminal case, although details are scarce.
This marks the first reported instance of a US government employee being restricted from leaving China. The incident has raised concerns about the country’s use of exit bans as leverage tools in diplomatic disputes.
Chinese officials have defended their actions, stating that Mao is subject to exit restrictions due to an ongoing investigation. However, human rights groups have criticized China’s expansion of the practice, citing cases where individuals were banned without facing any charges.
In 2019, two American siblings, Cynthia and Victor Liu, were allowed to return home after being subjected to an exit ban for three years. The case highlights China’s willingness to use exit bans in high-profile disputes, despite lack of clear justification.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/22/china-blocks-us-federal-employee-from-leaving