**Three Americans Freed in China-US Prisoner Swap**

In a significant diplomatic achievement, three Americans who had been detained in China have been released following protracted negotiations between the Biden administration and Chinese officials. Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung are currently en route back to the United States, as confirmed by a National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson on Wednesday.

The NSC statement expressed heartfelt anticipation for the detainees' reunions with their families, highlighting the long-awaited closures to their years of separation. This development came about after extensive discussions, which culminated in an arrangement involving the release of at least one Chinese national held in US custody.

The matter of the wrongfully detained Americans was a key topic just recently between President Biden and President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit in Peru. Furthermore, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also advocated for their release during his official visit to China in August.

"Thanks to this Administration's efforts and diplomacy with the PRC, all of the wrongfully detained Americans in the PRC are home," stated the NSC spokesperson. The breakthrough was first highlighted by Politico.

Mark Swidan, 48, who had been incarcerated since 2012 and was facing the death penalty on disputed narcotics trafficking charges, was identified by the US State Department as wrongfully detained, with significant concern over his health. Meanwhile, Kai Li, 60, had been held in China since 2016 on espionage charges, which activists argue were baseless.

John Leung, 78, had led several pro-Beijing groups in the US before being arrested in 2021 and subsequently sentenced to life on espionage charges. Discussions that likely influenced this swap included the potential release of Xu Yanjun, a 42-year-old Chinese citizen who was convicted of espionage in the US in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. As of Wednesday, Xu was no longer listed in the Bureau of Prisons custody.

This agreement represents a notable accomplishment for President Biden, enhancing his diplomatic record in the concluding months of his term. It follows the recent release of David Lin, an American pastor who had been imprisoned in China from 2006 until September this year. Throughout his presidency, Biden has facilitated the release of over 70 Americans, including those detained in Russia, Venezuela, and Iran.