Breaking News: China Frees U.S. Pastor David Lin After 15 Years in Jail | State Department Confirms Release | Impact on U.S.-China Relations
In a major development, China has released U.S. pastor David Lin, who had been imprisoned since 2006 on charges of contract fraud. This move comes after years of pressure from U.S. politicians urging Beijing to free Lin, whom Washington claims was wrongfully detained.
"We welcome David Lin's release from prison in the People's Republic of China. He has returned to the United States and now gets to see his family for the first time in nearly 20 years," said a State Department spokesperson.
Lin's daughter Alice expressed her joy at her father's release, saying, "No words can express the joy we have — we have a lot of time to make up for."
Last November, the chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee called on President Joe Biden to raise the issue of Lin's release during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The U.S. government has also been advocating for the release of two other detainees, Kai Li and Mark Swidan, who are also believed to be wrongfully imprisoned by China.
An upcoming congressional hearing will focus on the cases of American citizens detained in China, including Lin, Li, and Swidan, all of whom have reportedly faced health issues during their time in custody.
This development has significant implications for U.S.-China relations and highlights the importance of advocating for the rights of American citizens abroad. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.