Beijing: China has released a Swedish human rights activist detained earlier this month and accused of undermining the country's national security through his legal advocacy work in Beijing.

Peter Dahlin, 35, is understood to have left the country on a flight from Beijing to Stockholm on Monday afternoon. Both the Swedish and Chinese foreign ministries have confirmed his release.

Peter Dahlin has been released by Chinese authorities.

Mr Dahlin worked for Chinese Urgent Action Working Group, a foreign non-governmental organisation providing legal training and support to Chinese human rights lawyers.

He was detained on January 4, as he prepared to board a flight to Thailand. His girlfriend, a Chinese national, also disappeared at the same time. It is understood she has also been released.