The U.S. ambassador to China said the visually challenged rights campaigner caught in a struggle between Washington and Beijing after taking refuge in the U.S. Embassy was not forced to leave the diplomatic building.
Gary Locke said at a news conference Thursday that he could say “unequivocally” that Guangcheng Chen was never pressured to leave.
After spending six days at the embassy, Mr. Chen left on Wednesday to get treatment for a leg injury at a Beijing hospital. He initially said he had been assured that he would be safe in China, but hours later he said he feared for his family’s safety unless they are all spirited abroad. He also said he felt pressured to leave.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mr. Locke said Mr. Chen left the embassy after talking twice on the telephone with his wife, who was waiting at the hospital.