The U.S. State Department said Tuesday it is working with Beijing regarding the case of a U.S. government employee barred from leaving China.

The individual, who works for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office under the Commerce Department, was traveling in a personal capacity when Chinese authorities blocked their departure. Without naming the employee, the State Department emphasized that officials are actively engaged with their Chinese counterparts to resolve the situation swiftly.

“The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

China has long employed exit bans for individuals involved in legal or business disputes, but U.S. officials and human rights advocates have criticized the practice as opaque and arbitrary. In response to these risks, the U.S. government had previously advised Americans to reconsider travel to China—an advisory only eased late last year after the release of three long-detained U.S. citizens.

Wells Fargo Banker Banned from Exiting China: What to Know

This latest incident comes amid renewed scrutiny of China’s exit ban policies, including the high-profile case of Chenyue Mao, a U.S.-based Wells Fargo banker recently barred from leaving the country. While the State Department declined to comment on Mao’s case, citing privacy concerns, Wells Fargo said it is working through appropriate channels to secure her return.

Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry claimed Mao is involved in a criminal case and is under “exit restrictions in accordance with the law,” adding that China “welcomes” foreign visitors and respects their rights.

“Let me stress that it is an individual judicial case,” Guo said.

Asked about the case involving the U.S. government employee, Guo said: “I have no details to share. China upholds the rule of law and handles entry and exit affairs in accordance with the law.

What Happens Next

China’s use of travel restrictions has previously stranded Americans for extended periods. In one case, two American siblings were unable to leave the country for three years before they were allowed to return to the U.S. in 2021.

This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.