Released: Taiwanese Man Finally Returns Home After Four Years of Detention in China

Taiwanese electronics salesman Lee Meng-chu was arbitrarily arrested in China after border officers found fliers in his backpack that highlighted Taiwan and Hong Kong. He was accused of espionage and subjected to coercion, threats, and trickery during his four-year detention. Lee's case sheds light on how Chinese law enforcement uses arbitrary detention and exit bans for political reasons, with the ambiguity of the rules allowing for liberal application. The U.S. State Department has warned against travel to China due to concerns of arbitrary detention and frequent use of exit bans. Lee's release comes after enduring a 22-month prison sentence and an additional two years of being barred from leaving China.