Contact: Bob Fu, President, Bob@ChinaAid.org; Mark Shan, News Analyst, 888-889-7757, 267-205-5210 cell, Mark@ChinaAid.org; Eddie Romero, LA Office, 323-521-6777, ChinaAid.LA@gmail.com; all with ChinaAid; www.ChinaAid.org, www.MonitorChina.org

BEIJING, May 19, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- ChinaAid just learned that the blind activist Chen Guangcheng's family is heading to Beijing airport now and they were informed to pack up and get ready to leave China for the USA today.

Bob Fu made a phone call with Chen a moment ago. Chen said the Chinese official informed them to pack up and leave for the USA today though they have not received passports yet. Nor is their itinerary known. Chen also said he is looking forward to coming to the USA.

ChinaAid and the Chen family deeply appreciate the international community's tireless efforts for Chen and his immediate family's freedom including Christians' passionate prayers, two timely congressional hearings held by Congressman Chris Smith and the US government's assistance. We thank the Chinese central government for fulfilling one of her commitments by facilitating Chen's trip to the US. We urge the international community to continue to monitor the situation regarding Chen Guangcheng's extended family members including his nephew Chen Kegui and his elder brother Chen Guangfu as well as his sister-in-law Ren Zongju. They are all facing possible severe punishment as a result of Chen's escape from his house last month.