U.S. Government Employee Barred From Leaving China Amid Ongoing Travel Restrictions

American Worker Stuck in China After Personal Trip

A U.S. government employee has been blocked from leaving China after traveling there for personal reasons, the State Department confirmed on Tuesday. The employee works for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, part of the Commerce Department.

This case is part of a larger trend where Chinese authorities have prevented U.S. citizens from exiting the country. The situation has raised new concerns about travel safety and diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing.

State Department Responds to the Travel Ban

The U.S. State Department said it is “tracking this case very closely” and is in contact with Chinese officials to try to resolve the issue quickly.

“The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens,” it said in a statement.

The employee’s name has not been released, and no further details about why they were blocked from leaving have been shared.

Why China Blocks People From Leaving

China uses “exit bans” to prevent individuals from leaving the country. These are often applied in legal cases, such as criminal investigations or business disputes. However, the Chinese government has been accused of using them arbitrarily, sometimes keeping both foreign and Chinese nationals in the country without clear legal justification.

Because of these risks, the U.S. State Department has previously warned Americans to reconsider traveling to China. That advisory was slightly relaxed last November after China released three U.S. citizens who had been detained for several years.

Other Recent Cases Raise Concern

This is not the only recent case of an American being prevented from leaving China.

Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Chenyue Mao, a U.S.-based employee at Wells Fargo, was also barred from exiting the country. In response, the bank suspended all employee travel to China.

Wells Fargo released a statement saying it is “closely tracking this situation and working through the appropriate channels so our employee can return to the United States as soon as possible.”

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said Mao is involved in a criminal investigation and is “subject to exit restrictions in accordance with the law.”

“Let me stress that it is an individual judicial case,” Guo added. “China will as always welcome people from all countries to travel and do business in China and ensure their rights and interests in accordance with the law.”

When asked about the U.S. government employee now stuck in China, Guo said he had “no details to share,” but added that China “upholds the rule of law and handles entry and exit affairs in accordance with the law.”

Exit Bans Have Affected Other Americans in the Past

This is not the first time American citizens have been caught in China’s exit ban policies. In 2021, two American siblings were finally allowed to leave China after being stranded there for three years. They had traveled to visit relatives but were barred from leaving due to their father’s involvement in a Chinese criminal case.

While Chinese officials have described these incidents as isolated legal matters, U.S. officials and human rights groups argue that exit bans can be used as pressure tactics in diplomatic or business disputes.

What It Means for Travelers

The case adds to growing concerns about travel to China, especially for Americans working in government or sensitive industries. Although the U.S. recently eased its travel warning, this incident may lead to renewed caution.

Travelers are urged to understand the legal risks before entering China, especially if they are involved in international business or government work. Even a personal visit could lead to unexpected complications.

The State Department says it will continue to work through diplomatic channels to assist the affected government employee and ensure their safe return.

Bottom Line

• A U.S. government employee is currently barred from leaving China after visiting for personal reasons.
• The U.S. government is in talks with Chinese authorities to resolve the situation.
• Similar cases, including that of a Wells Fargo banker, have raised concerns over China’s use of exit bans.
• The incident may reignite debate about the safety of U.S. citizens traveling to China.

For now, the employee remains in China, and officials on both sides say the matter is being handled under existing legal frameworks.