Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 4: Coming To America
Jan 27, 2024
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Legal activist Guangcheng escapes house arrest and seeks sanctuary at the US embassy in Beijing, triggering intense negotiations between the US and China. The podcast explores the challenges faced by the US in protecting human rights while respecting jurisdiction. It also delves into Guangcheng's decision to reject a deal and his quest for freedom, which leads to negative press coverage for the Obama administration.
Chen Guangcheng escapes house arrest and seeks refuge in the US embassy, setting off a diplomatic maelstrom between the US and China.
The US government engages in a debate over granting asylum to Guangcheng, highlighting the clash between American values and concerns about diplomatic implications.
Deep dives
The Escape and the Plan
Chen Guangcheng escapes from house arrest and seeks refuge in the US embassy. He comes up with a plan to ask the Americans for sanctuary, believing that as a legal activist, he would have better luck than corrupt officials. Activists help him reach out to the human rights officer at the US embassy, and a car is sent to meet him. After a tense and risky transfer, he lands in the backseat of the embassy car.
Debate and Legal Justification
The US government engages in a debate over whether to allow Chen Guangcheng into the embassy. Some officials are concerned about the implications of granting asylum to a Chinese citizen, while others argue it aligns with American values. Harold Koh, a key figure in the legal justification, references previous cases of asylum offered by the US embassy. A legal argument is crafted, highlighting Guangcheng's broken foot as grounds for temporary medical treatment within US jurisdiction.
NYU Shanghai and Changing Plans
Initially, a deal is negotiated for Guangcheng to go to NYU Shanghai. However, after concerns are raised about the safety and freedoms he and his family would have, the plan is changed. Hillary Clinton intervenes and requests that Guangcheng be allowed to leave China and attend NYU in New York. The Chinese government's response is vague, but the US interprets it as permission. NYU plays a crucial role and offers Guangcheng a fellowship to study in the United States.
Public Pressure and Departure
As the news spreads, the case becomes politicized, criticized, and heavily covered by the press. Guangcheng's story gains support from politicians, activists, and celebrities. The American government faces intense pressure to resolve the situation. Guangcheng rejects the original deal negotiated with China and publicly expresses his desire to go to the United States. After a controversial hearing and negotiations, Guangcheng is allowed to leave China, boarding a flight to the US.
Guangcheng escapes house arrest, but he’s not free yet. Without a real plan or a place to hide, he turns to the US embassy in Beijing. His moves set in motion a diplomatic maelstrom, where top officials from the two most powerful countries in the world negotiate over his fate – and their own.
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