Clinton Leaves China As Dissident Chen Awaits Departure

Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng speaks into a phone in Beijing on May 2.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has left Beijing as dissident Chen Guangcheng awaits departure on a date yet to be set.

Chen, a blind activist who sought shelter in the U.S. Embassy during Clinton's visit and then went to a Beijing hospital to be treated for a broken foot, has received indications from the Chinese government he will be allowed to go to the United States to study.

But despite earlier press speculation he might leave with Clinton, he remains in the hospital and supporters are not permitted to visit him.

Chen, who exposed abuses in China's "one child" policy, sought refuge in the U.S. Embassy last week after escaping from 19 months under house arrest in his home village.

Clinton was in Beijing for two days of strategic and economic talks.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP