David Lin, an American pastor detained by China since 2006 on charges deemed by the United States as spurious, has been released and returned to the U.S., the State Department confirmed on Sunday.
Lin, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of contract fraud, has been held for nearly two decades, with U.S. officials consistently asserting that his detention was unjust. The State Department welcomed his release, stating, “We welcome David Lin’s release from prison in the People’s Republic of China,” and highlighting the significant emotional impact of his return to his family.
Lin’s daughter, Alice Lin, revealed that her 68-year-old father arrived in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday, marking a long-awaited reunion with his family.
The release of Lin comes amidst broader diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and China, which have seen several American citizens detained on various charges. Among them is Kai Li, a businessman accused of spying in 2016. The U.S. has been vocal about these detentions, with various officials advocating for the release of its citizens.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, during his visit to China last October, included Lin’s case in discussions with President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, emphasizing the diplomatic push for his release.
The timing of Lin’s release coincides with a congressional hearing scheduled later this week, which will address the broader issue of U.S. citizens imprisoned in China.
In related news, global stock markets have surged amid inflation trends in the U.S. and China, and recent disruptions in China have included flights being grounded due to a typhoon.