Chinese Dissident Escapes by Inflatable Boat in Fourth Attempt to Reunite with Family

A 68-year-old Chinese dissident, Dong Guangping, has successfully escaped China by an inflatable boat, reaching South Korea in his fourth attempt to flee the country. Dong, a former police officer and activist who has faced years of imprisonment and detention for his advocacy, endured a perilous 30-hour journey across the sea before being picked up by the South Korean Coast Guard on Monday. His boat's engine reportedly broke down as he neared the coast of Taean.

Dong Guangping's ultimate goal is to reunite with his wife and daughter, who have been granted asylum in Canada. He had made previous unsuccessful attempts to escape China, including being deported from Thailand and Vietnam, and trying to swim to Taiwan. South Korean authorities are currently questioning him on suspicion of violating immigration laws, while human rights organizations are urging Seoul to grant him protection and prevent his repatriation to China.