Trump-Xi Summit: GOP Urges Action on American Detainees in China

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Prominent Republicans with a focus on China policy are urging President Trump to prioritize the release of Americans unjustly detained in China during his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. They are also calling for an end to Beijing’s ongoing religious and political persecution.

The Trump-Xi meeting, scheduled for Wednesday night or Thursday morning in South Korea, will primarily address the escalating trade war between the two nations. However, President Trump has consistently highlighted the importance of securing the release of Americans and others unfairly detained overseas throughout his administration.

Bill Drexel, the son-in-law of Ezra Jin—who was detained by Chinese authorities on October 10 for his leadership role in the underground Zion Church—expressed hope that this meeting could further establish Trump’s legacy of freeing prisoners from high-stakes situations. All three of Jin’s children hold American citizenship.

Drexel shared that communication with Jin has been sporadic, occurring mainly through legal representatives. He voiced concerns over Jin’s health, noting that he is not receiving his essential diabetes medication.

“Initially, he was denied any medication,” Drexel explained. “While the authorities have since provided some alternative medicine, he still doesn’t have access to his prescribed treatment. Moreover, he’s sharing a cell with approximately 30 others. These are the main details we have at this point.”

Earlier this month, Trump secured the release of 20 hostages held by Hamas for more than two years after earlier securing the release of Americans held by Hamas. The administration said in May Trump had secured the release of 47 Americans detained abroad.

That focus is reassuring for individuals advocating for the release of their loved ones and their allies in Congress.

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Reps. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Chris Smith (R-N.J.) sent a letter to Trump on Oct. 22 calling for the president to prioritize Jin’s release, as well as six other cases.

This includes two Americans accused of drug-smuggling who lawmakers say are victims of trafficking; a lawful permanent U.S. resident arrested for creating artwork critical of the Chinese government; the families of journalists who worked for the U.S.-government outlet, Radio Free Asia; and the sister of a Uyghur human rights activist based in the U.S.

Other key Republican advocates include Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas), who led a bipartisan group of senators on a resolution condemning Jin’s arrest and other members of the Zion church. The resolution was introduced this week and referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In a separate campaign, a bipartisan coalition of more than 20 senators wrote to Trump on Oct. 23 urging the president to push Xi to release Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong businessman and publisher whose arrest in 2020 is criticized as politically motivated.

Among the signatories are some of Trump’s top allies: Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.); Jim Risch (R-Idaho), the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Katie Britt (R-Ala.); Joni Ernst (R-Iowa); Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.); Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.); and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who also signed on to the letter, told The Hill on Wednesday that he expects Trump to raise Lai’s imprisonment when he meets with Xi.

“I think he’s focused on getting him released,” Scott said.

Senate Republicans also want tougher action against China for its persecution of religious minorities.

Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), who also signed the letter for Lai, introduced a bill Monday to sanction Chinese officials who persecuted religious minorities, including Christians. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.).

“China’s disdain for religious freedom is not new. It is an ongoing and brutal pattern of abuse that must be met with steadfast American strength,” Budd wrote in a statement.

“As the leader of the free world, the United States must promote religious freedom around the world and hold China’s authoritarian regime responsible for decades of persecution targeting Christians and other religious minorities. The CCP’s [Chinese Communist Party’s] restrictions on freedom of religion and cruelty toward religious minorities in China must come to an end.”

Co-sponsors include Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Blackburn and Sullivan. In the House, Reps. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), and Michael McCaul (R-Texas) are also co-sponsors.

The Hill reached out to the Chinese Embassy in D.C. for comment.