Chen to Stay in Beijing - China Demands Apology

China has promised Chinese legal activist Chen Guangcheng that he can pursue a university education in a safe environment.  Hillary Clinton said that the blind legal activist has left the U.S. Embassy on his own accord and in accordance with U.S. values.

Last week, Chen had fled 20 months of house arrest and sought refuge in the U.S. embassy.  Although the U.S. neither confirmed or denied his presence in the embassy, this set up a delicate diplomatic battle between the U.S. and China.

On his way to Chaoyang Hospital, Chen called his lawyer confirming that he was free with clear assurances from the Chinese government.

"'I'm free. I've received clear assurances."'

 Hillary Clinton's Statement:

I am pleased that we were able to facilitate Chen Guangcheng’s stay and departure from the U.S. embassy in a way that reflected his choices and our values. I was glad to have the chance to speak with him today and to congratulate him on being reunited with his wife and children.
Mr. Chen has a number of understandings with the Chinese government about his future, including the opportunity to pursue higher education in a safe environment. Making these commitments a reality is the next crucial task. The United States government and the American people are committed to remaining engaged with Mr. Chen and his family in the days, weeks, and years ahead.

Clinton is in Beijing for high level strategic talks.  This appears to be another diplomatic victory for Hillary Clinton, but time will tell how the Chinese government behaves after Clinton's departure.

The Chen affair drew an angry response from Beijing, which demanded an apology from the U.S. for interference in its internal affairs.

"China is very unhappy over this. The US action is an interference in China’s internal affairs and China cannot accept it," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said.
"China demands that the US apologise and thoroughly investigate this incident, deal with the people who are responsible and ensure these types of incidents do not occur again," he said.

A U.S. official said that there would be no repeat of the incident, but did not comment on the demand for an apology.

Despite Beijing's demand for an apology, this appears to be another diplomatic victory for Hillary Clinton, but time will tell how the Chinese government behaves after Clinton's departure.  Clinton is in Beijing for high level strategic talks.

Update:   A report by the Associated Press,  suggests that Chen Guangcheng was pressured to leave the U.S. embassy against his will amid flimsy promises and possible threats of harm to his family.

House Speaker John Boehner has issued a statement on the latest AP report and America's obligations:

 "Like millions of other Americans, I have followed the story of Chen Guangcheng with admiration for his courage and concern for his safety and that of his family. I am deeply disturbed by the most recent report by the Associated Press, which suggests Chen Guangcheng was pressured to leave the U.S. embassy against his will amid flimsy promises and possible threats of harm to his family. In such a situation, the United States has an obligation to stand with the oppressed, not with the oppressor. Having handed Chen Guangcheng back over to the Chinese government, the Obama administration is responsible for ensuring his safety. While our economic relationship with China is important and vital to the future of people in both countries, the United States has an obligation to use its engagement with China to press for reforms in China’s human rights practices, particularly with respect to the reprehensible 'one-child’ policy."