The escape of human rights lawyer Chen Guangcheng became another sensitive issue between U.S. and China just ahead of a high-level meeting between the nations.
"I finally escaped," Chen said in a YouTube video that emerged last week.
It's been widely reported that the blind, self-taught lawyer is hiding at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, but U.S. officials have not confirmed it.
Chen went against Chinese law by campaigning against policies used to enforce China's one-child policy. He served more than four years in prison before his release in September 2010.
Since then, with security men watching, he and his family have been under house arrest. But eight days ago, despite the agents at his home and those posted at the entrance to his village in northeast China, he managed to slip away.
Now, Chen has become the center of escalated diplomatic tension between the United States and China just days before Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to arrive in Beijing.
Quotes
"What I would like to emphasize is that every time we meet with China, the issue of human rights comes up," - President Obama.
Warm Up Questions
1. Where is China located?
2. What countries border China?
3. What do you know about this Asian country?
Discussion Questions
1. What does the term "human rights" mean?
2. Why did President Obama mention in his speech that the issue of human rights always come up when the U.S. meets with China?
3. Do you think Chen Guangcheng is staying in the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China? If so, do you think it's OK for the U.S. embassy to protect him? Discuss.
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