In Shenyang hospital, in China's northeast, doctors from Germany and the United States have arrived to treat Liu Xiaobo.
This week video surfaced online showing the visiting experts standing by the 61 year-old's bed, praising his local doctors.
One is German Markus Buechler, speaking here.
"And it is very, very good that the doctors from China have asked us to come and to help. So they are very committed to the treatment of your man, of your husband. They want us to help."
The video, reportedly taken against the German doctor's wishes, shows him apparently speaking to and comforting Liu's wife, Liu Xia.
What it doesn't show is a clash of medical opinion.
The foreign doctors say the activist is fit enough to travel abroad for treatment.
His Chinese doctors disagree.
As does the government, saying his terminal liver cancer is no grounds for release.
Geng Shuang is a spokesman for China's foreign ministry.
"China is a country under the rule of law, and everyone is equal before the law. We hope relevant countries can respect China's judicial sovereignty and will not use the so-called individual cases to interfere with China's internal affairs."
But calls for Liu Xiaobo's freedom are growing louder, with protesters taking to the streets of Hong Kong demanding his unconditional release.
The dissident was jailed 8 years ago for demanding democratic reform in China and could now be living out his last days.
Albert Ho is a former politician and a human rights Lawyer.
"We are now holding this marathon sit-in to send out a strong message to the Chinese government, including of course President Xi Jinping, that Liu Xiaobo should be allowed to leave China and go to a place of his own choice for medical treatment on humanitarian consideration."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is also calling for a compassionate response.
Her spokesman, Steffen Seibert, made this statement on her behalf.
"I can assure you that the tragic case of Liu Xiaobo is of great importance to the Chancellor and that she would hope for a sign of humanity for Liu Xiaobo and his family."
Democracy campaigners in Australia have now written to foreign Minister Julie Bishop, also urging her to act.
The Chinese government insists Liu Xiaobo is receiving the best possible care in China, but German officials say security services, rather than doctors, are directing his hospital treatment.
It could be a major embarrassment for China if he died in custody but analysts in China say Liu Xiaobo's release, or any sign of leniency, is unlikely.
Patrick Poon, from Amnesty International in Hong Kong, says there would be consequences for China and the diplomatic community.
"That will not only make China look embarrassed but it will also have a strong implications for other countries to consider how you would deal with China in future, in cases of human rights and freedom."
