China Condemns US for Interrogating Chinese Company Personnel

China's Foreign Ministry has voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the recent interrogation and detention of Chinese business personnel by US authorities. A spokesperson stated that these individuals were held for nearly 60 hours upon entering the US, leading to their subsequent repatriation.

Lin Jian, the spokesperson for the ministry, elaborated during a regular press conference that US law enforcement's actions against employees from various Chinese companies have become a troubling trend. He emphasized that these detentions were made without any legitimate reasons.

According to Lin, such rigorous law enforcement practices not only undermine the rights and interests of Chinese nationals but also create a negative environment for business cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. He indicated that these actions contradict a previous agreement made by the two presidents in Busan aimed at enhancing business ties.

Lin called upon the US to heed China's concerns and urged its law enforcement agencies to put an immediate halt to these wrongful interrogations. He asserted the need for adherence to the understandings reached by both nations' leaders and cautioned against disrupting normal interactions between Chinese and American citizens.

In a firm stance, the spokesperson reassured that China is committed to taking resolute measures to protect the legal rights of its nationals against unjust actions by foreign authorities.

This incident is not an isolated occurrence. In October 2025, another Chinese individual faced wrongful interrogation and prolonged detention in the US, raising similar concerns about personal freedoms and rights.

Another spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, expressed China's indignation regarding this earlier incident, noting that such actions severely affect the rights of those involved and disrupt bilateral relations.

Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, commented on the broader implications of these US actions, highlighting that they hinder economic, trade, and cultural exchanges, consequently deterring individuals from pursuing opportunities in the US.

Zhou underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges as a foundation for US-China relations. He argued that equitable and mutual exchanges in economic dealings are vital for the advancement of bilateral cooperation.

At a recent event, Wang Yong, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, encouraged both Chinese and US business communities to engage in practical cooperation to ensure long-term economic relations. He reiterated China's commitment to reform, openness, and innovation to create opportunities for foreign enterprises.

AmCham China Chairman James Zimmerman noted the resilience of American businesses in China and urged both governments to offer clearer guidelines to strengthen the bilateral economic relationship.

Zhou concluded by stressing China's ongoing efforts to foster a conducive environment for economic exchanges with the US and urged the US to take meaningful steps towards collaborative cooperative relations between their business communities.