As you have said, Mr. Chen told State Department officials that he wanted to stay in China.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney,

"China has stood up diplomatically, " says Beijing-based state enterprise cadre Chen Naishen.

CNN: Jiang On a Roll

"I feel like I'm standing at the crossroads of history, " Chen said ahead of the visit, the state-run China Daily newspaper reported.

CNN: China envoy arrives in Taiwan on rare visit

"Their adoption shows that the state has improved its ability to protect the rights and interests of its citizens, " says Chen Guangzhong, president of the University of Political Science and Law in Beijing.

CNN: CHINA