China

The move could allow Washington and Beijing to save face in what has become a diplomatic crisis.

"The bottom line is that there's a narrative out there that is misconstrued," a senior administration official said.

Republicans are accusing the administration of naively handing the blind human rights activist back to Chinese authorities.

"I hope I can get more help from her. I also want to thank her face to face," Chen Guangchen said. 

Mitt Romney provided a blistering critique of the Obama administration's handling of dissident Chen Guangcheng.

Spokesman insists Chen never requested asylum while in U.S. embassy and officials did not pressure him to remain in China.

Republican lawmakers on Thursday assailed the Obama administration's handling of human rights activist Chen Guangcheng. 

A diplomatic coup is threatening to turn into a major embarassment for the administration.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton raised the issue of "human rights" and "freedoms" Thursday in Beijing amid the controversy surrounding Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng, who sought refuge at the U.S. Embassy after escaping house arrest.

A deal allowing a Chinese activist to remain in his country has fallen apart, creating a diplomatic nightmare for Obama.