A U.S. Commerce official has been barred from leaving China since April after having his passport seized, part of a growing trend affecting American citizens and executives.

The State Department said that officials are actively engaged with their Chinese counterparts to resolve the situation swiftly.

China's foreign ministry said on Monday that Chenyue Mao, the Wells Fargo banker who has been blocked from leaving the country, was involved in a criminal case and was obliged to cooperate with the investigation.

From a US national being barred from leaving China to Beijing slamming EU banking sanctions, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

China has declined to comment on the alleged exit ban, saying only that it handles all cases according to the law.

The US embassy in China has expressed concerns about damage to bilateral relations from exit bans, following reports that a commerce department employee had been prevented from leaving the country.

China has put export restrictions on technologies critical for producing electric vehicle batteries, in a move to consolidate its dominance in the sector that has contributed to the country’s lead in the global EV race.