“I feel that everyone is very passionate.” Those were the first words blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng said publicly after landing in the US on Saturday. Chen spoke to the press and public at New York University, where he had been offered a position as a visiting scholar.
In his speech, Chen thanked the media and supporters in the US and China. He said that the US government had given him a great amount of assistance, mentioning that they had given him “partial citizenship rights.”
Chen also emphasized that the Chinese central government should guarantee his rights as a Chinese citizen and his personal freedom and safety, even though he had left the country. He also asked everyone to watch to make sure that this promise was carried out.
He closed with asking everyone to work with him to promote justice and fairness in China. Chen’s full speech at New York University is above.