Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng has reached the United States, ending a diplomatic spat between the two countries. The blind lawyer has been offered a fellowship to study law at the New York University.
Chen, who escaped from a two-year stint under house arrest at the end of April, sought refuge in the U.S. embassy in Beijing, creating a diplomatic nightmare for both American and Chinese officials. After reaching the U.S., Chen thanked U.S. officials and his supporters for their help.
After Chen agreed to be released from American custody, the Chinese government agreed to allow the blind lawyer, who is self taught, to come to the U.S. to continue his studies. He, his wife and their two children, aged eight and six, departed Beijing's airport headed for Newark Saturday amid strict security and a total block on reporters' questions.
The compromise, although a worrisome precedent for China, was a boon for both sides. Allowing Chen to study in the U.S. quashed Republican criticisms of U.S. embassy officials' decision to release Chen back into the hands of the Chinese Communist government with nothing but assurances for his safety. It also allowed the Chinese to avoid any further damaging implications to internal security Chen's activism could create in the future.
After reaching the U.S., the activist expressed hope that he would definitely go back to China, though he does not know when the return would be. Chen said he would continue to promote justice and equality in China.
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