Chen reported that the Chinese government has "enacted revenge" on his family members and friends remaining in the country.
He pointed to his nephew, Chen Kegui, who was recently sentenced to three months in jail, as well as others who have been harassed, illegally detained or have disappeared.
"The Communist Party officials at every level continue to act against the state law and humanity," he said, adding that "no one is safe."
Chen spoke directly to the Communist leader of China, saying, "Mr. Xi Jinping, the whole nation is watching you." He warned Xi that his decision on whether to reform the government or simply protect the interests of the party will determine if China transforms peacefully or violently.
"Do not send out the wrong signals to party officials that they can continue acting without any restraint," he said, urging an end to the government's abuse of power and the release of prisoners of conscience.
Chen also spoke to the people of his countrymen, telling them that they can and should "join together to work for our own rights."
"God helps them who help themselves," he emphasized, calling the people of China to stand up for "a fair and just social system."
Advocates of life and liberty in China called on world leaders to heed Chen's message. Bob Fu, founder and president of ChinaAid, said the ongoing human rights abuses should put the international community "on alert that it is time to set a new course for human rights and trade with China."
Reggie Littlejohn, president of Women's Rights without Frontiers, said that the one-child policy causes "deep social unrest" in society and "is perhaps the most hated of all the official policies in China."
"No policy this unjust can last forever," Littlejohn said. "The leaders of the United States should join Chen in calling for a peaceful transition away from policies that are oppressing and terrorizing the people of China, who are one fifth of the population of the earth."
Michelle La Rosa is deputy editor-in-chief of Catholic News Agency. She has worked for CNA since 2011. She studied political philosophy and journalism at the University of Dallas.