Donald Trump had a two-day visit to Beijing, China during a lengthy overseas trip.
During that visit, the President of the United States reportedly tried to help out the three stranded UCLA basketball players — LiAngelo Ball, Cody Riley and Jalen Hill — have were left behind in China while waiting to learn what will come of their shoplifting charges.
According to the Washington Post, Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping for help resolving the case of the three players.
From the report:
After Trump raised the matter, Xi promised to look into the case and ensure that the players be treated fairly and expeditiously, said a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Chief of Staff John F. Kelly has been in touch with the families of the players and spoken with UCLA coach Steve Alford, and Kelly remains in contact with Chinese authorities, the official added. This official indicated that charges against the players have been reduced and that the case is proceeding toward a resolution.
Ball, Riley and Hill are currently confided to their Hangzhou hotel and reportedly may have to wait up to two weeks until they are able to return home.
The good news is that everything seems to be working towards a resolution.