Dissident: China rights situation 'worse and worse'

A blind Chinese dissident who escaped to United States in 2012 became an American citizen and said that human rights situation in China is getting "worse and worse."

Chen Guangcheng, speaking through a translator, told Associated Press on Thursday that he's very happy and grateful that America has welcomed him.

He became a U.S. citizen in Maryland last month and was meeting with members of his legal team in Manchester, New Hampshire, to celebrate his citizenship.

Chen became an international symbol for human dignity after running afoul of local government officials for exposing forced abortions carried out as part of China's one-child policy.

Chen, 49, a visiting fellow at Catholic University of America, said Thursday that he hopes that America "will stand by Chinese people" against Communist Party.

Chen also said Biden ministration should insist that an international investigation take place into origins of coronavirus.

In June, top U.S. and Chinese diplomats h a sharply worded exchange, with Beijing saying it told U.S. to cease interfering in its internal affairs and accusing Washington of politicizing search for origin of COVID-19 pandemic.