A Plea in Beijing: The Unfinished Business of Trump’s China Visit

The optics are ripe for a dramatic gesture as President Donald Trump meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Two American families, Dawn Michelle Hunt and Nelson Wells Jr., hold onto hope that their loved ones will finally be released from Chinese prisons. Both have spent over a decade behind bars on allegations of drug trafficking, with their health deteriorating with each passing year.

Nelson Wells Sr., a veteran who served in the US Army, describes his son’s mental state as “fragile” and worries it will worsen if he doesn’t get out soon. Dawn Michelle Hunt’s family paints a picture of a vibrant individual whose physical and mental health have crumbled under false promises and neglect.

The State Department’s commitment to assisting Americans abroad is reassuring, but its words ring hollow in this case. The families’ appeal to Trump represents a last-ditch effort to bring attention to their plight and to use his influence during the meeting with Xi. This isn’t just about securing the release of two individuals; it’s also about highlighting systemic issues that allow China to disregard human rights.

The US has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to the safety and security of Americans abroad, but this mantra has been repeated without tangible results for far too long. The State Department’s consular assistance is commendable, yet cases like these often take years to resolve.

Trump’s meeting with Xi presents an opportunity for hope, but also serves as a reminder that the US-China relationship is complex and fraught with contradictions. While China has released some wrongfully detained Americans in recent years, its record on human rights remains dismal. The U.S. travel advisory for China warns of detention without access to consular services or fair treatment under the law.

The Trump-Xi meeting requires careful consideration of priorities. Trump’s pledge to secure the release of Hong Kong pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai is admirable, but it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to extract concessions from Xi on behalf of Hunt and Wells. The latter case may not have the same high-profile appeal as Lai’s, but it carries equal weight in terms of human suffering.

The Foley Foundation’s data on wrongful detention highlights China’s dubious reputation when it comes to respecting human rights. This is a stain that Trump would do well to address during his visit. If he can’t bring about the release of Hunt and Wells, at least he should use this opportunity to pressure Xi into taking concrete steps towards reform.

The families’ personal appeals are heart-wrenching. Nelson Wells Sr.’s words to Trump – “Have mercy, Mr. President” – carry significant weight. As the two leaders meet behind closed doors, the fate of these two Americans hangs precariously in the balance. It’s time for the US to put its money where its mouth is and demand better from China.

Trump’s meeting with Xi marks a rare opportunity for him to make a tangible difference in the lives of two American families. Whether he seizes it remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching – and waiting – for results.