Wells Fargo Banker Detained by China Now Free to Return to US
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Wells Fargo executive Mao Chenyue was barred from leaving China in July due to what Chinese authorities said was an ongoing criminal investigation. The bank has since suspended all travel to China.
Boehler did not name the person released. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.
“It’s unacceptable everywhere to do those things. China should know that, and I think we made it very clear, and they responded in a positive way from that perspective. I like that, but there’s more to do,” Boehler said.
“I would hope China continues to proactively respond, because in this administration, you’re always on better negotiating ground if you don’t have Americans [detained]. Always,” Boehler stated, alluding to the recent negotiations.
He said that while Beijing has a very “complex decision-making process,” U.S. leadership pressing the matter with the Chinese regime does help move the needle.
“When things are raised at a senior level, ambassador level, at a [Secretary of State] Rubio level, it does make a difference because what they’re really doing is ... they’re explaining that U.S. policy has changed and that it is a huge negative to hold Americans, and that is best explained directly,” Boehler said.
Before the order, “in theory, we have a lot of tools that we can use,” including sanctions, but they would require long processes and inputs, Boehler said. The order reverses the standard, he said, meaning the United States can, by default, use all these tools unless there is a decision to make an exception.
Boehler said the administration has already secured the release of 75 or 76 Americans “without giving up almost anyone” in exchange.
“Americans would be shocked if they knew how many Americans are held,” Boehler said.
Boehler said his job was to apply “constant, consistent, and authentic pressure” in negotiating the release of Americans, and that other officials play their role in finding the right moments to raise the issue. “It’s not just me,” he said.
The State Department did not provide additional details on the person released.
“The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens. We have nothing further on Special Envoy Boehler’s comments at this time,” the agency told The Epoch Times.
