Long Island Congressman Nick LaLota is spearheading efforts to secure the release of a Huntington man, Kai Li, who has been unjustly detained in China for several years. The Republican lawmaker has introduced a resolution urging the Biden Administration to prioritize diplomatic actions to bring an end to Li’s wrongful imprisonment. LaLota further calls for President Biden’s personal intervention and a meeting with Li’s family.
Kai Li’s ordeal began in 2016 when he visited Shanghai to commemorate the first anniversary of his mother’s passing. Shockingly, upon his arrival, he was arrested on state security charges and subsequently convicted of espionage in a secretive one-hour trial. LaLota contends that Li’s detention by the Chinese Communist Party has been unjust, and diplomatic efforts must be intensified to secure his release.
Last night, during the State of the Union address, Congressman LaLota had the privilege of hosting Kai Li’s son, Harrison, as his guest. This symbolic gesture aimed to draw attention to the pressing issue and garner support for the resolution seeking the Biden Administration’s intervention.
The resolution not only calls for diplomatic efforts but also emphasizes the need for President Biden to engage directly with Kai Li’s family. LaLota believes that such high-level intervention is crucial to conveying the urgency and seriousness of the situation to the Chinese authorities.
The plight of Kai Li underscores the challenges faced by individuals detained abroad, often subjected to opaque legal proceedings and harsh conditions. Congressman LaLota’s resolution seeks to leverage diplomatic channels and highlight the significance of protecting the rights and freedoms of American citizens abroad.
As the resolution moves through the legislative process, Congressman LaLota remains committed to advocating for the release of Kai Li and ensuring that diplomatic pressure is exerted to bring him back to Long Island.
