Chinese dissident may apply to study abroad, China says

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Friday saying the blind human rights activist, Chen Guangcheng, may apply to study abroad, a move hinting a possible resolution to the ongoing conflict as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to the country comes to an end. In a statement on its website, the Chinese ministry said Chen could apply for overseas study “in accordance with laws of relevant departments.” On Thursday , Chen, a 40-year-old self-taught lawyer, said he has received an invitation from New York University.

“Chen Guangcheng is currently being treated in hospital. As a Chinese citizen, if he wants to study abroad he can go through the normal channels to the relevant departments and complete the formalities in accordance with the law like other Chinese citizens,” the Foreign Ministry said. Chen interrupted a Congressional meeting on Thursday saying he wants to meet with Clinton face-to-face and requested to have his “freedom of travel guaranteed” as he looks to exit China with his family and come to the United States. “I want to meet with the Secretary Clinton,” Chen said over a speakerphone as a translator spoke his words in English. “I hope I can get more help from her. I also want to thank her face to face.” Due to criticism of President Barack Obama’s administration’s handling of the situation, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney defended the administration’s diplomacy on Friday. Carney said, “At no point during his time in the embassy did Mr. Chen ever request political asylum in the U.S., and at every opportunity he expressed his desire to stay in China, be unified with his family, continue his education and work for reform in his country. All of our diplomacy was directed at putting him in the best possible position to achieve his objectives.”