In a notable diplomatic development, three American citizens imprisoned in China have been freed and are en route back to the United States, as confirmed by the White House on Wednesday. This release includes Mark Swidan, who faced a death penalty due to drug charges, alongside Kai Li and John Leung, both detained on espionage allegations. The announcement marks a significant moment in U.S.-China relations, which have been strained over a variety of contentious issues ranging from trade to human rights.

The release occurs shortly after another American, David Lin, was set free after nearly two decades in Chinese prison on charges related to contract fraud. U.S. ties with China have been tumultuous, with ongoing concerns regarding trade practices, human rights violations, and geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan and the South China Sea. The Biden administration has prioritized the issue of wrongful detentions in discussions with China, and the recent developments may indicate a willingness by Beijing to engage diplomatically during this transitional period as the Republican Party prepares for Donald Trump’s return to the presidency.

Both Democratic and Republican senators expressed their support for the release, with notable praise coming from Senator Ted Cruz, whose personal connection to the case fueled his joy at the news. The cases of Li and Leung are particularly poignant, as both faced harsh prison sentences under questionable circumstances, with Li being detained in 2016 and subsequently accused of providing state secrets, while Leung was convicted of espionage during the escalating tensions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden administration intends to continue addressing wrongful detentions in its dialogues with China, and this recent progress appears to reflect an ongoing commitment to improving the status of detained American citizens.