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Mark Swidan, detained in China for 12 years, honored at Trump's 2026 State of the Union

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February 25, 2026

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Mark Swidan, a U.S. Citizen, traveled to China in 2012 for a short trip to purchase supplies for his new home and business. He was arrested shortly after arriving by the Chinese police on accusations, without evidence, that he was trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

Swidan told NewsNation that during his 12 years in a Chinese detention camp, he slept on a “concrete slab” in a tiny room with 32 other prisoners. In 2024, the United Nations and Biden administration were able to secure his release, along with that of two other American citizens, Kai Li and John Leung, as part of a prisoner swap.

Swidan will be honored at President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address as a guest of Republican Texas Congressman Michael Cloud, who fought for his release.

#china #markswidan #newsnation

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Guests & Subjects Covered

Mark SwidanUS CitizenUnited NationsKai LiJohn LeungPresident Donald TrumpsAmericans Find

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Mark Swidan, detained in China for 12 years, honored at Trump's 2026 State of the Union · Newsnation · Sentinel