Blind Chinese activist leaves US embassy after ‘threats’

US diplomats claimed Chen Guangcheng left after being given assurances about his safety.

He said a US official told him that Chinese authorities had threatened to beat his wife to death if he did not leave.

His departure from the embassy came shortly after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Beijing for two days of annual strategic talks being overshadowed by the self-taught lawyer’s fate.

Mr Chen left the embassy accompanied by the US ambassador and went to the Chaoyang Hospital, where he was to receive medical treatment. On the way he called his lawyer, Li Jinsong, who said Chen told him: “I’m free. I’ve received clear assurances.”

The activist, who fell foul of local government officials for exposing forced abortions and other abuses, escaped from 20 months of house arrest in his rural town last week, fleeing into US hands and sparking a diplomatic crisis.

As part of the agreement that ended the fraught, behind-the-scenes stand-off, US officials said China agreed to let Mr Chen receive a medical check-up, be reunited with his family at the hospital, and he would then be relocated to a safe place in China where he could study.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has demanded the US apologise, investigate how Mr Chen got into the embassy and hold those responsible accountable.

Beijing will see the brief sanctuary given to Mr Chen as meddling in Chinese domestic affairs. US officials said they helped him only because he injured his leg. Mr Chen did not request safe passage out of China or asylum in the US.

A close friend of Mr Chen, the Beijing activist Zen Jinyan later said he had agreed to stay in China only to protect his family after threats that his wife would be beaten to death if he left.

Ms Zeng said Mr Chen told her that he wanted to go to abroad but was forced to accept a deal to protect his family.