Foreign specialists examine Liu Xiaobo

The First Hospital of Chinese Medical University in Shenyang, Liaoning province. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

On Saturday, doctor Markus W. Buchler from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and doctor Joseph M. Herman from the University of Texas, US, were invited to examine Liu Xiaobo, who is receiving treatment for liver cancer at the First Hospital of Chinese Medical University in Shenyang, Liaoning province. Both doctors joined a group of Chinese medical experts, headed by professor Mao Yilei from Peking Union Medical College Hospital, in analyzing Liu's treatment and answering questions on common concerns.

What is the opinion about the treatment being given by the Chinese hospital?

Buchler (to Liu's wife): "These are very, very good doctors from China, and they have had us come to help, so they are very committed to the treatment of your husband. They want us to help, so this is very nice gesture.

(To Chinese doctors): "Does she understand English? If not, I would have it translated because we have the impression that they really are doing their best to help."

What is the experts' response after seeing the patient?

Buchler (to Chinese experts): "Thank you very much for letting us see the patient. I think he's in very good care. I think I have to say you treat him very well, have all kinds of what we would do as well."

Is a hospital transfer necessary?

Mao: Further, is there any treatment you can do that we cannot?

Buchler: OK, firstly, yes, we are willing, but we need an airplane that has intensive care facilities. I was told you have such airplanes. We also have such airplanes, so this will be our points. ... I don't think we can do better than you in Germany, I don't think we can do better medically. You do very well. But it is the human thing. He wants to go out. I don't think it has to do with the medicine, it has to do with other reasons. And for that, we will be willing to take him out.