A US Patent and Trademark Office employee is prevented from leaving China after traveling there for personal reasons, the US Department of State confirmed on Monday, 2024-07-29. The State Department stated they are working to resolve the situation and prioritize the safety of US citizens. Previous reports by The Washington Post and South China Morning Post indicated the employee, a Chinese-American man, was barred from leaving after failing to disclose his government employment on a visa application and possibly detained in Chengdu, Sichuan in April 2024. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said he had no details to share but asserted that China handles entry and exit affairs according to the law. This incident follows China's announcement of an exit ban on a Wells Fargo managing director, Chenyue Mao, for an unspecified criminal case.

Impact Statement: The incident further strains US-China relations amidst existing accusations of espionage and interference.