Chinese legal activist Chen Guangcheng and his family arrived in New York Saturday evening, possibly ending the diplomatic controversy that may severely harm the US-China relationship.

He travelled to the US as a law student of New York University, where his wife and two children will stay with him in a faculty room. Chen Guangcheng sought refuge in the US Embassy after his dramatic escape from house arrest.

Mr. Chen asked to leave the country believing that the Chinese government is after him and his family. He also revealed that he was “beaten violently” by local government thugs. He was later on issued a US visa which the Chinese government allowed him.

Mr. Chen thanked the US government for the opportunity to leave his country. However, activists in China believes that Mr. Chen  could possibly be denied from entering the country when he decides to go back home. Meanwhile China is being urged to address its human rights issues and ensure basic dignity for its people.