By Michael Martina

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Two American siblings prevented from leaving China since 2018 returned to the United States over the weekend, according to a U.S. official, their release by Beijing coming shortly after the United States ended a legal case against a top Huawei executive.

Victor Liu and Cynthia returned to America three years after being denied permission to leave China. However, there were no criminal charges against Victor. Former bank official, fugitive Liu Changming is being sought in China for fraud charges.

After a deal was reached that enabled Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, to leave the United States and return to China as a result of a U.S. fraud case being dropped against her, both Americans resigned.

Two Canadians, who had been detained shortly after Meng’s arrest were made by Chinese authorities, were freed from Chinese custody and returned to Canada within hours.

Beijing denied the connection between those two arrests.

According to the White House, Monday’s release of Canadians was not a prisoner exchange. But their cases were discussed in a September 9 phone conversation between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, U.S. President.

Meng was released by the Justice Department on Monday. The Justice Department stated that Meng’s case had been decided in its own independent manner.

According to a spokesperson from the State Department, “We welcome Cynthia Liu and Victor Liu’s return home to the United States this Sunday.” He added that U.S. diplomatic staff in Shanghai had helped the siblings get out.

We will keep fighting for all Americans in China, including those who are subject to coercive bans and arbitrary detention.

The White House refused to provide any information about the Americans that left China.

Sandra Han (the mother of Victor Liu and Cynthia Han) is still being held in China on criminal charges.