Chinese Dissident Reaches Safe Haven in Canada
In a daring escape from China, political dissident Dong Guangping has successfully reached Canada after a perilous journey that included a stop in South Korea. His arrival marks the culmination of numerous attempts to flee persecution in his homeland.
Dong, who previously served as a police officer in China, made headlines when he took to the sea in May on a small inflatable dinghy, measuring just 3.3 meters (approximately 10.8 feet), near a South Korean island. The South Korean coast guard detained him for allegedly breaching immigration laws, making this his fourth known escape attempt from China.
During a court appearance in South Korea, Dong expressed his desire to reunite with his wife and daughter already settled in Canada. His friend, Sheng Xue, a Chinese Canadian activist, confirmed his safe arrival in Toronto on social media. Sheng Xue shared, “He just had a big bowl of noodles with eggs, tomatoes and shrimps,” celebrating more than a decade of efforts to assist him.
Dong’s past includes multiple detentions due to his activism. In 2001, he was imprisoned for three years for “inciting subversion of state power.” He also faced more than eight months of imprisonment following his 2014 arrest for commemorating the victims of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, as noted by Amnesty International.
Prior to his successful journey to Canada, Dong attempted to flee to Thailand and Vietnam, only to be deported back to China. He also made an unsuccessful bid to swim to a Taiwanese island.
As of now, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has not provided any statements regarding Dong’s arrival.
