China has released American pastor David Lin, who had been imprisoned in the country since 2006, the Unites States’ State Department confirmed on Sunday.
Lin, a 68-year-old man from Orange County, California, has finally returned to the United States, reuniting with his family after nearly two decades of separation.
A State Department spokesperson expressed that Lin’s return marked the end of a long ordeal, adding, “he now gets to see his family for the first time in nearly 20 years.”
Lin’s release followed a key meeting between U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The U.S. had consistently urged China to free Lin, maintaining that he had been wrongfully detained.
Lin’s family, who had been tirelessly campaigning for his freedom, expressed immense relief. His daughter, Alice Lin, shared her overwhelming happiness with Politico, saying, “No words can express the joy we have. We have a lot of time to make up for.” She also confirmed that Sullivan raised her father’s case during recent discussions with Chinese officials.
David Lin’s troubles began in 2006 when he reportedly attempted to establish a Christian training center in Beijing. Chinese authorities quickly intervened, questioning him and barring him from leaving the country.
Lin was later detained and, in 2009, found himself facing a life sentence on contract fraud charges—charges he firmly denied. Reports from the Washington Post suggest that the circumstances surrounding the charges were ambiguous at best.
Over the years, Lin’s sentence was reduced several times, with his release initially scheduled for 2029. However, U.S. officials, alongside Lin’s supporters, continuously lobbied for his early release.
Lin’s case has drawn significant attention from U.S. lawmakers. Among those celebrating the news was Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who emphasized the growing trend of “hostage diplomacy” by authoritarian regimes. “I am extremely glad to hear David Lin was freed,” McCaul posted on social media, calling his capture part of a broader issue of politically motivated detentions.
David Lin’s release came just ahead of a Congressional hearing focused on Americans detained in China, many of whom remain imprisoned. Lin’s case has often been mentioned alongside those of businessman Mark Swidan and Kai Li, two other U.S. citizens whom Washington insists have been wrongfully imprisoned in China. Despite Lin’s return, Swidan and Li remain behind bars, as pressure continues to mount for their release.
