Chinese officials neglected to inform the American embassy that they were holding an American citizen, as required by law

Human Rights in China

The boy is a US citizen, while his parents have residency rights in America but have retained their Chinese passports.

Andrew and his father have since been freed, but his mother, a research fellow at the American University of Washington, is still being held.

Mr Xue has now appealed to US President George W Bush to help secure his wife's release.

The appeal comes during a visit to the US by the Chinese deputy premier, Qian Qichen.

Separated

Human Rights in China (HRIC) said the family had been split up and held for 26 days at an unknown location.

"Andrew was not allowed any contact with his parents and grandparents throughout this period," HRIC added.

"Chinese officials neglected to inform the American embassy that they were holding an American citizen, as required by law."

US embassy spokesman John Berry said the HRIC statement was "consistent with our understanding of events".

Taiwan

Mr Xue has received no information as to the whereabouts of his wife, or whether any charges have been brought against her.

He said that during his detention, security officials questioned him about his wife's activities in Taiwan; in particular about two trips she made there in 1995 and 1999.