A US government employee has been stopped from leaving China after entering the country for personal reasons, according to the State Department.
The individual, who works for the US Patent and Trademark Office under the Department of Commerce, was placed under an “exit ban” while on a private visit.
The US State Department confirmed the situation and stated it is in contact with Chinese officials to resolve the issue.
The government is monitoring the case and working to ensure the employee’s safety.
Reports indicate the worker, a naturalised US citizen, was detained in Chengdu earlier this year. Allegedly, the individual failed to disclose his government employment on a visa form.
Chinese authorities reportedly consider his actions harmful to national security.
In a separate incident, China also blocked another US citizen from leaving.
Chenyue Mao, a senior employee at Wells Fargo in Atlanta, has been restricted from departing the country due to her involvement in an undisclosed criminal case, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
These developments come amid long-standing tensions between Washington and Beijing, especially regarding accusations of spying and interference.
On the same day, the US Justice Department announced that a Chinese-American researcher admitted to stealing sensitive technology blueprints, including those linked to missile detection systems.
Authorities said he transferred thousands of confidential files to personal devices and previously sought support in China for military-use technology.
These recent cases show growing concerns about travel risks and legal challenges for citizens with ties to both countries, particularly those in sensitive industries or government roles.