In a turn of events reminiscent of Cold War-era diplomacy, President Joe Biden has granted clemency to Chinese national Ji Chaoqun and Yanjun Xu, public documents revealed. The clemency appears to be a piece of a larger negotiation that secured the release of three American citizens previously held in China on espionage and drug charges. The White House confirmed their return but has stayed quiet on the details of this apparent exchange.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Ji was convicted of operating as an unlawful Chinese agent and had been serving an eight-year sentence. Notwithstanding the nature of his offenses, Ji's sentence was quickly commuted to time served just days before the Americans' release. In a similar vein, ABC7 Chicago reported Yanjun Xu, convicted of attempted economic espionage, to have also received clemency, further substantiating speculation of a bilateral deal between the US and China.
The timing of Ji's and Xu's release right before the return of Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung from Chinese detention prompted several reports to connect the dots, suggesting the actions were linked. These reports gain credence in light of the fact that there was no public announcement regarding their clemency, as stated in records from the Justice Department.
Ji Chaoqun's attorney, Damon Cheronis, expressed surprise at the developments, acknowledging that neither he nor his client had been made privy to the impending release. "I learned about it [Wednesday] morning, when he was released," Cheronis told Chicago Sun-Times, further mentioning "It was not something that anyone was made aware of, including my client." Reflecting on the matter, Cheronis mused to ABC7 Chicago, saying, "I think that it's equitable, hopefully. And that everybody comes home and enjoys Thanksgiving and can be with their families."
While the State Department has since slightly loosened its travel advisory for China, encouraging "increased caution," this incident highlights the ongoing, tightrope-like nature of US-China relations. Both governments continue firmly to guard their national interests, though this latest incident reveals that they are equally capable of surprising cooperation when it serves both their peoples. The families of the released Americans, much like Ji's family, are undoubtedly relieved at this holiday season twist.
