22-8-2023 (SEOUL) South Korea’s coastguard has reported the arrest of a Chinese national who attempted to enter the country by jet ski, embarking on a remarkable journey spanning over 300 kilometers from China’s Shandong province.
The daring traveler, equipped with a life vest and helmet, navigated the challenging waters of the Yellow Sea on a 1800-cc jet ski, employing binoculars and a compass for guidance while towing five barrels of fuel.
During the journey, he periodically refueled his jet ski and disposed of empty barrels into the sea, as revealed by the coastguard in a press release.
The audacious voyage came to a halt when the jet ski became stranded in tidal flats near Incheon, a western port city. The individual promptly called for rescue.
Although the coastguard has not disclosed the man’s identity, he was apprehended for what they described as an “attempt to smuggle himself into” Incheon. Authorities have not found any evidence suggesting espionage.
The jet ski rider is believed to be Chinese human rights activist Kwon Pyong, as indicated by South Korea-based campaigner Lee Dae-seon from the NGO Dialogue China. Kwon, aged 35, had previously posted pictures on social media that mocked Chinese President Xi Jinping. He also spent time in Chinese custody for subversion.
Lee Dae-seon stated on Tuesday that while Kwon’s method of entry into South Korea was unlawful, it was motivated by years of surveillance and political persecution by Chinese authorities since 2016. Kwon is now considering whether to apply for refugee status in South Korea or seek refuge in a third country.
South Korea grants asylum to only a limited number of refugees each year, and the Chinese embassy in Seoul declined to comment on the matter
