U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-New Jersey), who serve as Chair and Cochair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), have called on President Trump to directly address the cases of Americans detained in China during his next meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In a letter, they urged the President to advocate for the release of Americans facing serious health issues while imprisoned, and to push for an end to China's use of exit bans, which they described as “hostage-taking.”

              Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI), Chair of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, also signed onto the letter.

              The letter highlights urgent humanitarian concerns regarding Nelson Wells, Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt, both held in China for over ten years after what lawmakers say were trial proceedings lacking due process. Both individuals reportedly suffer from severe medical conditions requiring immediate care. Their families previously testified at a CECC hearing.

              The lawmakers are also calling for continued diplomatic efforts to halt China's use of exit bans—a practice that prevents people from leaving China and is used to pressure U.S. policy or gain commercial advantage.

              In their message to President Trump, the members made several requests:

              "Personally raise the cases of Nelson Wells, Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt and press for immediate humanitarian transfer or release.

              Raise the cases of detained artist Gao Zhen and his U.S.-citizen child, who is exit-banned from leaving China.

              Focus the Administration’s diplomatic efforts on the case of Gulshan Abbas, Ekpar Asat, the relatives of Radio Free Asia employees, and Pastor Mingri ‘Ezra’ Jin.

              Meet privately with impacted families; ensure regular, transparent briefings; expand consular access and medical oversight; and use all available avenues — including humanitarian release, medical parole, and prisoner-transfer mechanisms — to secure relief and release.

              Coordinate with allies confronting similar abuses and employ all available executive authorities to ensure accountability for unjust detentions, mistreatment, and exit-ban practices."

              The letter includes details about specific cases as well as a classified annex naming other detained Americans whose families have requested privacy out of concern for reprisals in China.

              According to background information provided by CECC staffers, the Commission has documented instances where Chinese authorities have used wrongful detention tactics against U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The Commission continues its advocacy work on behalf of those individuals.


This article was published on October 23, 2025 and can be found online at: https://thefederalnewswire.com/stories/675897213-lawmakers-urge-presidential-action-for-americans-detained-in-china