BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday that Mao Chenyue, a senior executive of the U.S. bank Wells Fargo, cannot leave China temporarily as she is involved in a criminal case currently under investigation in China.

Addressing a daily press briefing, Guo Jiakun, the spokesperson, said Mao is currently subject to exit restrictions issued by Chinese law enforcement authorities.

According to Chinese laws, while the case remains under investigation, Mao is unable to leave China, and she is obligated to cooperate with the investigation, Guo said.

"All individuals in China, whether Chinese or foreign nationals, must abide by Chinese laws," he said, adding that the Chinese side will protect her lawful rights during the investigation in accordance with the law.

"I would like to stress that this is an isolated judicial case. China will, as always, welcome people from other countries to travel and do business in China, and protect their lawful rights and interests in accordance with the law," Guo added.  ■