Wells Fargo has suspended all employee travel to China after Chenyue Mao, a Shanghai-born managing director based in Atlanta who works in trade financing, was blocked from leaving China following her recent visit. Chinese authorities imposed an exit ban on Mao, citing her involvement in an ongoing criminal case requiring her cooperation with the investigation. Mao is a U.S. citizen and has served at Wells Fargo for over 13 years. This incident has heightened concerns among multinational companies about the risks of operating in China. Separately, a U.S. citizen employed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, who traveled to China in a personal capacity, has also been barred from leaving the country. The U.S. State Department confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation and engaging with Chinese officials to resolve it. Chinese officials have emphasized that China upholds the rule of law for both Chinese and foreign nationals and continues to welcome foreign investment. China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reiterated the importance of stable and mutually beneficial China-U.S. economic and trade relations, emphasizing dialogue and consultation as key to resolving differences. The developments underscore ongoing tensions and complexities in China-U.S. relations amid efforts to maintain constructive economic ties.