President Donald Trump is expected to raise the cases of political prisoners with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Beijing. A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers, including members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), urged Trump to address the detentions of Americans, U.S. permanent residents, and their families in a letter sent on May 11. The lawmakers highlighted four individuals: Chinese pastor Jin Mingri, Uyghurs Dr. Gulshan Abbas and Ekpar Asat, and U.S. permanent resident Gao Zhen.
Grace Jin Drexel, daughter of detained pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, expressed hope after learning Trump may raise her father’s case. Jin Mingri, founder of the Zion Church, has been detained for nearly seven months. Family members report concerns over his deteriorating health, including untreated type 2 diabetes, and harsh prison conditions. Lawyers representing detainees have faced retaliation, including disbarment and detention.
The CECC letter emphasized that China’s use of hostage diplomacy and transnational repression extends beyond its borders, affecting Americans and their families. Lawmakers argue that raising these cases at the highest levels increases the reputational cost for China and denies the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) a tool of leverage. The letter was signed by Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.).