Obama Tells Chinese He’s Disappointed Over Snowden Case

{{President Barack Obama told Chinese officials that he’s disappointed with China’s treatment of U.S. demands that Hong Kong hand over fugitive security contractor Edward Snowden, who instead was allowed to flee to Russia.}}

The issue surfaced during a meeting in Washington yesterday between Obama, Vice Premier Wang Yang and State Councilor Yang Jiechi, who were representing China at strategic and economic talks in the city, according to a White House statement.

“The President expressed his disappointment and concern with China’s handling of the Snowden case,” according to the White House statement summarizing the meeting.

Snowden, who exposed classified U.S. programs that collect telephone and Internet data, left Hong Kong for Russia on June 23 even as American authorities were pressing for his return to face prosecution.

He’s believed to be at a Moscow airport, where he’s pursuing asylum in another country.

Prosecutors in the U.S. are seeking Snowden’s return and have brought theft and espionage charges against the former employee of McLean, Virginia-based government contractor Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. (BAH).

{wirestory}