Staff Reports
Three Americans imprisoned in China for years have finally been released, and their families are preparing for a Thanksgiving reunion that they thought might never happen. This momentous occasion follows a pattern of American citizens being held captive under dubious charges in a country that often disregards human rights and due process—something that has, unfortunately, become all too common in recent years.
Mark Swidan, a Texan businessman, had been rotting on death row since 2012, convicted of narcotics trafficking during the Obama presidency. Another American, Kai Li, was arrested in 2016, when the lingering effects of the Obama administration’s leniency toward oppressive regimes was still palpable. John Leung, the oldest of the detainees at 78, faced espionage charges and had his freedom curtailed under the Biden administration. Their release is certainly welcome news, but it raises questions about whether this could be a strategy from China to curry favor with America as the political landscape shifts.
As President Biden and his Secretary of State Antony Blinken bask in the glow of this diplomatic win, it’s hard not to notice the subtle winds of change blowing in from the impending return of Donald Trump. The timing of these releases suggests that China might be making concessions in anticipation of a tougher approach from a possible future Trump administration. It appears that Beijing, realizing they might soon be facing a “new sheriff” at the White House, is trying to avoid the fallout by releasing these detainees now.
The Biden administration wants to take credit for this diplomatic achievement, making claims of successful discussions held with Chinese officials. However, one has to wonder if these negotiations might have been spurred by the fear of Trump’s return. Under Trump, China understood that they would be dealing with a president who believed in a strong stance—one who would not hesitate to hold them accountable. The Biden approach, characterized by appeasement and a love for dialogue, has consistently allowed authoritarian regimes to gain the upper hand.
Wednesday afternoons, on @RedState.
The Trump Effect: Three Americans Detained for Years in China Have Been Released https://t.co/PpgHmlmckB #foreignpolicy #Trump #China #BidenAdministration #AnthonyBlinken #Prisoners
— Jennifer Oliver O'Connell (@asthegirlturns) November 27, 2024
Further complicating matters is the recent behavior of international players like Mexico. After a round of tough talk from Trump regarding tariffs and border security, the Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has suddenly found the motivation to take a more proactive stance against migrant caravans heading toward the U.S. This is not just a coincidence but illustrates the Trump Effect in global diplomacy—an effect that emphasizes strength and firm negotiating rather than weak concessions.
In the grand scheme of international relations, this release of American prisoners serves as a reminder that America’s standing on the global stage is directly correlated to its leadership. President Biden may rejoice in this current narrative, but conservatives recognize the undercurrents at play. The upcoming return of Trump might mean that America will once again prioritize a robust foreign policy that secures freedom for its citizens and promotes American interests abroad with determination.
