A United States (US) pastor, who had been detained in China for 18 years on espionage charges, has been released.
The pastor, whose detention drew widespread international attention, had been arrested in 2006 for allegedly engaging in illegal religious activities.
His release is seen as a diplomatic breakthrough between China and the U.S., with human rights organizations welcoming the development.
Details of his detention and the negotiations that led to his release remain unclear, but his family expressed immense relief and gratitude for his freedom.
