China says dissident Chen Guangcheng can apply to study abroad

China's Foreign Minister have said that blind dissident Chen Guangcheng, who sought refuge in the US embassy in Beijing after fleeing house arrest, can apply to study abroad.

In a statement, spokesman Liu Weimin said:

"Chen Guangcheng is currently being treated in hospital.

"If he wants to study abroad, he can apply through normal channels to the relevant departments in accordance with the law, just like any other Chinese citizen."