Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, June 25, 1990                   TAG: 9006250212
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BEIJING                                LENGTH: Short

CHINA'S BEST-KNOWN DISSIDENTS, PHYSICISTS

The White House immediately hailed Beijing's move as a "humanitarian action" that will better U.S.-Chinese ties.

The 53-year-old astrophysicist and his wife had sought refuge in the embassy after the June 4, 1989, military crackdown on the pro-democracy movement.

The official Xinhua news agency said they were given permission to leave the country for medical reasons after showing "signs of repentance."

It said the move was "in line with China's policy of leniency toward those who participated in the disturbances" of last June.

Since late last year, China has announced the release of more than 800 people jailed for their participation in the democracy movement, but it is believed that thousands more remain in jail.

The White House said Fang and Li were bound for Britain aboard a U.S. C-135 air transport, and would arrive early Tuesday. Spokesman Marlin Fitzwater said Fang had accepted a job at Cambridge University.

"This humanitarian action is a far-sighted, significant step that will improve the atmosphere for progress in our bilateral relations," he said in a statement, adding that President Bush was informed of the development late Sunday.