In a controversial move just weeks before leaving office, President Biden granted clemency to three Chinese nationals, including two convicted spies, as part of a prisoner exchange that secured the release of three Americans held in China. The swap, which took place on November 22, 2024, has sparked debate and raised concerns about national security.

Among those released were Yanjun Xu, the first Chinese intelligence officer ever extradited to the U.S. for trial, and Ji Chaoqun, who was convicted of conspiring with Xu to steal American aviation technology. Xu, sentenced to 20 years, targeted U.S. aviation companies and sought to acquire sensitive proprietary information, including GE Aviation's unique composite engine fan technology. Chaoqun, based in Chicago, aided Xu by gathering information on potential recruits.

Mark Swidan was arrested in China in 2012 on drug charges deemed illegitimate by the U.N.

Harrison Li holds a photo of his father, Kai Li, who was detained in China.

Yanjun Xu, convicted in 2021 of economic espionage and trade secret theft.

Ji Chaoqun, convicted in 2023 of acting as an unregistered agent of China.

The third Chinese national released, Shanlin Jin, was serving time for possessing thousands of images of child pornography. The exchange brought home Americans Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung. Swidan's 2012 drug charges in China have been questioned by the U.N.

President Biden's clemency grant also included commutations for 1,499 individuals and pardons for 39 others convicted of non-violent offenses.

This prisoner swap comes shortly before President-elect Trump's inauguration, who has indicated his intention to pardon individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot.