White House Silent on Fate of Blind Chinese Activist

The White House is sidestepping questions about how the U.S. might resolve the predicament surrounding a blind Chinese activist who sought refuge in the American embassy and who no longer wants to remain China.

White House spokesman Jay Carney referred questions about asylum for the activist, Chen Guangcheng, to the State Department.

Republicans are warning the administration to safeguard Chen. Carney said President Barack Obama wasn't taking politics into consideration.

Chen sought refuge in the U.S. embassy after escaping from house arrest in eastern China. U.S. officials said they negotiated his release with Chinese authorities under an agreement to reunite him with his family and relocate them closer to Beijing.

Carney said Chen and his wife have since "changed their views about what was best for him and his family."

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