US woman barred from leaving China amid criminal investigation

A United States citizen, Mao Chenyue, who is currently involved in an active criminal investigation has been barred from leaving the country, Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday.

Responding to media reports that Mao, an executive at US bank Wells Fargo, was recently prevented from exiting China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said that Chinese law enforcement agencies had imposed an exit ban in accordance with legal procedures.

"Mao is involved in a criminal case currently under investigation. In line with Chinese laws, authorities have imposed exit restrictions, and she is required to cooperate with the investigation," Guo said at a daily news briefing.

The spokesman emphasized that the relevant authorities will protect Mao's lawful rights during the investigation in accordance with the law.

"Whether Chinese nationals or foreigners, everyone in China must abide by Chinese laws," he added.

Guo also stressed that this is an individual judicial case. "China remains committed to welcoming people from all over the world to visit, invest, and do business, and will continue to safeguard their rights and interests according to the law."