Everyone, lets get real. The reason why China let him go is they don't want a single blind man to ruin US China ties. The reason why US is protesting is because of some people are living in their small little space in Utah thinking all people and animals are free, including the meat of the cow they just ate.
Chen has done it good for himself. He was well fed in China, his fake handicap and humble gestures circulated all over the press. While his countrymen, many ill, blind and handicapped, have the spirit to plow on.
Good riddance Chen Guangcheng, let's see if you'll make yourself a pest in US too.
Chen thanks US, praises China
From:AAP
May 20, 2012 11:26AM
AFTER landing in the United States to begin a new life, blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng has praised Beijing's "restraint and calm" during the month-long tussle that tested China-US ties.
Chen asked to say a "few simple words" as he, wife Yuan Weijing and their two children were greeted with cheers as they arrived at the New York University apartment block that is now their home.
"After much turbulence I have come out of Shandong. This is thanks to the assistance of many friends," he said. "At the most critical juncture the American embassy in China provided a safe haven and the American government has provided me with assistance and granted me citizenship rights here."
Chen expressed his gratitude to the American embassy for ushering him to a new life in the US, but also praised the "restraint and calm" of the Chinese government during the row, saying he believed Beijing's promises were "sincere".
The self-taught lawyer won international plaudits for investigating forced sterilisations and late-term abortions under China's "one-child" policy.
He and his family touched down at Newark Liberty International Airport, outside New York, on a United Airlines flight from Beijing shortly before 6.30pm yesterday (8:30am today AEST).
His arrival capped an odyssey that began when Chen escaped from his village in April after more than seven years either in prison or house arrest.
Earlier this month Chen gave a gripping account of his escape, describing how his wife had pushed him over the wall around their small home. He broke his foot when landing, but scrambled to a neighbour's pig sty, where he hid until nightfall.
After a long and painful journey through fields and over walls, he made his way to a friend's home, then to the US embassy. His shock arrival there sparked an international row that threatened to damage China-US relations.
Officials hastily struck a deal to let Chen go free - an agreement that appeared to suit both sides.
That accord hit a snag before protracted negotiations secured a new agreement to allow him to participate in a fellowship at New York University.
After more than two weeks in a Beijing hospital, Chen was suddenly given notice earlier on Saturday to prepare for departure.
Jiang Tianyong, a lawyer and friend, said Chen had mixed feelings about leaving China but thought it was "the best he could do to ensure his personal safety".
US politicians have welcomed Chen's arrival but many are concerned about his family and other dissidents who remain in China.
"The arrival of Chen Guangcheng to the United States is a milestone in the cause for human rights in China," said former House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"The courage of Chen Guangcheng to risk his life and livelihood to advocate for disadvantaged people in China is an inspiration to freedom-seeking people around the world."
As a research fellow at NYU, Chen is expected to work with other law school experts.
"I look forward to welcoming him and his family tonight, and to working with him on his course of study," said Jerome Cohen, co-director of the US-Asia Law Institute at the NYU School of Law.
