During her first trip abroad as secretary of state, Hillary Clinton stated that the United States must prioritize working with China on global challenges over human rights disputes. Now, with Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng seeking US protection in Beijing, the US will see if China agrees with this approach. Chen's escape and request for US protection come at a sensitive time for both countries, as they prepare for economic and security talks while China deals with a political scandal. US officials believe it is unlikely that Chen will be handed over to China against his will, leaving China to decide whether to compromise or risk damaging the relationship with the US. Despite being seen as probable, a compromise is not guaranteed. "I don't believe they will ruin the relationship," stated a senior official from the Obama administration anonymously. "This situation is not as serious as a spy plane incident or Tiananmen Square. I believe they will attempt to handle it." In 2001, the relationship between Beijing and Washington deteriorated following a crash between a Chinese fighter jet and a US surveillance plane. The Tiananmen Square incident in 1989, where Chinese troops violently suppressed pro-democracy demonstrators in the square, further strained relations with Washington. The United States has not yet confirmed reports that Chen fled from house arrest in China and sought refuge in the US embassy. China has also not commented directly on the dissident's reported escape. However, ChinaAid, based in Texas, has stated that Chen is under US protection and that high level talks are taking place between US and Chinese officials regarding his situation. This incident will be a difficult situation for the US secretaries of state and treasury as they visit Beijing for their Strategic and Economic Dialogue. Chen's escape comes after a similar incident involving Wang Lijun fleeing into the US consulate in Chengdu and sparking the Bo Xilai scandal. Former CIA top China analyst Chris Johnson stated that the current state of Sino-US relations is very tense, with recent events such as the Bo Xilai case, Chen's escape, and the potential sale of new F-16s to Taiwan contributing to the strain. Johnson believes that these factors may be seen by some in Beijing as part of a US strategy to contain China's growth. The resolution of these issues will depend on how China's leadership balances nationalist sentiments with a desire to maintain stability during the upcoming leadership succession. Despite the tensions, experts like Shi Yinhong believe that China will aim for a quick and quiet resolution to avoid negative impacts on foreign relations and domestic politics. Shi emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. I believe the United States will not use this tactic to shame China. They are more interested in influencing China's stance on North Korea and Syria. They are trying to minimize the repercussions of this situation as they are aware of the embarrassment it may cause China. Both countries have successfully resolved complex issues in the past, such as the mid-air collision incident in 2001. The 24 US crew-members were detained until April 11, but were released after the United States sent a letter apologizing for the death of the Chinese pilot and acknowledging that the EP-3 had entered China's airspace without permission. Despite Hillary Clinton's statement in February 2009 that the US would continue to address issues like Taiwan, Tibet, and human rights while prioritizing economic, climate, and security concerns, analysts believe that the US would not willingly hand over Chen due to moral and political reasons. Tom Malinowski, a former White House official and current director of Human Rights Watch in Washington, stated that it would be unthinkable for the US to forcibly hand over Chen against his will. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has accused Obama of being weak on China, a critique that would be amplified if Obama were perceived as abandoning Chen. Analysts and rights activists have outlined two potential outcomes for resolving Chen's situation: he could be released within China with assurances for his safety and that of his family and supporters, or he could choose to go into exile despite his reluctance to leave China. Kenneth Lieberthal, director of the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution in Washington, stated that they would only make sure he leaves China if they are very confident he will not face any consequences for his actions. Lieberthal believes that sooner or later he will be taken to the airport with promises that he can leave, but he will likely never be able to return to China.