U.S. Diplomacy Faces Challenges Amid Surprising Developments in David Lin Case

American pastor David Lin returns home after nearly two decades of imprisonment in China, sparking discussions on religious freedom and diplomatic efforts.

At a Glance

David Lin, 68, was released after being wrongfully detained in China since 2006
Lin was arrested for assisting house Christians and sentenced to life for alleged contract fraud
His release follows sustained diplomatic efforts by the U.S. government
Two other Americans, Kai Li and Mark Swidan, remain detained in China
Lin’s case highlights ongoing religious oppression in China despite constitutional guarantees

A Pastor’s Long Journey Home

David Lin, an American pastor who spent nearly two decades in a Chinese prison, has finally returned to the United States. Lin, now 68, was detained in 2006 after helping to construct an unapproved church building. Initially sentenced to life in prison on charges of contract fraud, a claim he consistently denied, Lin’s ordeal has come to an end after years of diplomatic efforts and international pressure.

The U.S. State Department, which had classified Lin as wrongfully detained, confirmed his release and return. Lin’s freedom marks a significant moment in U.S.-China relations and sheds light on the ongoing issues of religious oppression in China.

David Lin, an American pastor who was imprisoned in China for nearly 20 years, was released unexpectedly on Sunday and has returned to the U.S., the State Department said. https://t.co/phK3ojQFmE

— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 16, 2024

Diplomatic Efforts and Remaining Detainees

Lin’s release is the result of sustained diplomatic efforts by the Biden administration. American officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, repeatedly raised the issue during visits to China. President Joe Biden himself discussed the matter with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during their meetings.

“We welcome David Lin’s release from prison in the People’s Republic of China. He has returned to the United States and now gets to see his family for the first time in nearly 20 years,” the State Department said.

Despite this positive development, two other Americans remain wrongfully detained in China. Businessmen Kai Li and Mark Swidan are still held on espionage and drug-related charges, respectively. U.S. politicians, while welcoming Lin’s release, have called for continued efforts to secure their freedom.

Religious Oppression in China

Lin’s case highlights the broader issue of religious oppression in China. He began preaching in China in 1999 and was detained in 2006 for assisting an underground “house church.” These churches operate outside the Chinese Communist Party’s oversight and are considered unlawful.

While China’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the Communist Party is accused of violating this right through repressive policies. The government’s “sinicization” policy aims to impose socialist principles on religious groups, ensuring their allegiance to the Party. All Christian churches in China must pledge loyalty to the Communist Party and register with the government, a requirement that many view as incompatible with religious freedom.

A Family Reunited

For Lin’s family, his release marks the end of a long and painful separation. His daughter, Alice Lin, expressed joy and gratitude upon hearing the news of his freedom. “Praise God! We got the call late last night!!! Dad is free and over Alaska now,” she texted to a long-time supporter of her father.

As David Lin readjusts to life in the United States, his case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by religious practitioners in China and the importance of diplomatic efforts in securing the release of wrongfully detained Americans abroad. While his return is cause for celebration, it also underscores the work that remains to be done in advocating for religious freedom and human rights on the global stage.