Lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden to use the remainder of his term to secure the release of Americans who are unjustly detained in China, as they are facing harsh conditions and lack of due process. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China, led by Rep. Chris Smith and Sen. Jeff Merkley, has highlighted the plight of these individuals and called for more advocacy on their behalf.
The Chinese government has denied mistreating detained Americans, but human rights groups have raised concerns about the well-being of these individuals. The exact number of Americans held under questionable circumstances in China is unknown, with estimates varying. The State Department currently recognizes three Americans as unjustly detained in China, with advocates pushing for the expansion of this list.
The lawmakers are urging Biden to make the release of these Americans a priority in diplomatic discussions with Chinese leaders. They also call for increased transparency and support for the families of those detained, including more frequent visits from U.S. consular officials and access to legal representation and healthcare.
The families of detained Americans have shared heartbreaking stories of their suffering, including lack of medical care and arbitrary imprisonment. They are hopeful that action can be taken to secure the release of their loved ones before Biden’s term ends. The lawmakers stress the importance of addressing this issue promptly to prevent further harm to these individuals.
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