American pastor David Lin, who was wrongfully detained in a Chinese prison for nearly two decades, has been released, marking the end of a case that the Biden administration had prioritized in efforts to improve relations with Beijing.
Lin, 68, was arrested in China in 2006 for his involvement in constructing an unapproved church building. He was later convicted of contract fraud, a charge he consistently denied, and sentenced to life in prison.
Lin was one of three Americans identified by the US State Department as being wrongfully detained in China. While Lin has been released, businessmen Kai Li and Mark Swidan remain imprisoned on espionage and drug-related charges, respectively.
The US State Department spokesperson expressed relief at Lin's release, stating that he has returned to the United States and reunited with his family after almost two decades.
The Biden administration intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the three men, with top officials like Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan raising the issue during visits to China.
Lin, who had been visiting China since the 1990s and began preaching there in 1999, was detained for assisting an underground church in building a place of worship. Despite his incarceration, Lin used the opportunity to share his faith with fellow prisoners and established a prayer group.
The crackdown on house churches in China has intensified in recent years as the government tightens control over religion. Lin was convicted of contract fraud, a common charge against house church leaders who raise funds to support their activities.
While in prison, Lin received sentence reductions and was originally set to be released in 2029. His release has been met with relief by US politicians, who continue to advocate for the release of other Americans detained abroad.
Rep. Michael McCaul expressed his happiness at Lin's release but emphasized the need for the freedom of Kai Li and Mark Swidan, who remain imprisoned in China.
