China's Chen Guangcheng: 'I feel very unsafe'

The prominent Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng has requested asylum in the United States, saying he fears for his safety.

He's currently receiving medical treatment in a Beijing hospital as part of a deal which saw him leave the US embassy after nearly a week.

It comes as the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in the Chinese capital for wide-ranging discussions on issues including the global economy and foreign policy.

Speaking to a news agency Guangcheng expressed his fears: "I feel very unsafe. My rights and safety cannot be assured here."