Protesters support Chinese dissident

Protesters in Taiwan voice their support for Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng.

The self-taught legal activist escaped house arrest last month and was taken in by the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

After six days U.S. officials took him to a Beijing hospital to receive treatment for a broken foot as part of a delicate deal between diplomats.

But Chen says since being there, he has not able to meet with U.S. representatives, and he fears for the safety of his family.

China analyst Willy Lam said Washington should have been more sceptical of Beijing's promise for Chen's safety.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF CHINA STUDIES AT CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WILLY LAM SAYING:

"I think the U.S. made a mistake by believing in the promises made by the Chinese authorities about guaranteeing Chen's safety as well as the safety of his family, because I don't think the U.S. should really put a lot of credence in the pledges made by the Chinese government. Because, after all, there have been numerous cases when the Chinese government has mistreated large numbers of dissidents."

The issue has cast a shadow over this week's visit to Beijing by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for talks intended to improve ties between the world's two biggest economies.

Lily Grimes, Reuters