U.S. Lawmakers Urge Prioritization of Release for Wrongfully Detained Americans in China
Summary
U.S. lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to focus on securing the release of American citizens wrongfully detained in China. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China conducted a hearing emphasizing the urgency and severity of these cases, with calls for immediate action and condemnation of China’s use of exit bans.
In recent discussions, U.S. lawmakers have urged the Biden administration to prioritize the release of American citizens wrongfully detained in China. During a hearing held by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), members highlighted the alarming situation of these detainees, some of whom have faced imprisonment without a fair trial for nearly a decade. Representative Christopher Smith, a Republican from New Jersey and the chair of the commission, emphasized the urgency of this issue in his opening remarks. He stated that for the Chinese government to foster improved relations with the United States, they must unconditionally release these wrongfully imprisoned Americans. Moreover, he condemned the practice of exit bans imposed by China, describing it as a form of de facto hostage-taking that contravenes their obligations under international human rights law, specifically Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Congressional-Executive Commission on China is mandated to monitor and report on human rights conditions in China as well as to advise Congress and the President on these matters. The issue of wrongful detainment of Americans in China has garnered significant attention, especially as some individuals have been held for extended periods under unclear legal circumstances. The call for their release reflects a growing concern over the use of wrongful imprisonment as a diplomatic tactic.
U.S. lawmakers, led by the CECC, are pressing the Biden administration to make the release of Americans wrongfully held in China a top priority in diplomatic discussions. This call to action underscores a broader commitment to advocating for human rights and ensuring that U.S. citizens are safeguarded from unjust detention abroad. The situation calls for immediate diplomatic engagement to address these human rights violations and enhance U.S.-China relations.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
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