China blocks US federal employee from leaving
Exit bans used by China for reasons ranging from criminal investigations to diplomatic leverage tool
The Chinese government has blocked a US federal employee from leaving China, the US state department has confirmed.
The federal employee works for the US Patent and Trademark Office, and was visiting China in a personal capacity, according to the state department. “We are tracking this case very closely and are engaged with Chinese officials to resolve the situation as quickly as possible,” a spokesperson said.