New Taipei: A Chinese man has been charged with illegally entering Taiwan after being rescued off the coast of New Taipei last year. The individual, identified by his surname Wang, reportedly made a nearly five-day journey across open sea in a rubber dinghy to “seek freedom” before his vessel ran aground.

According to Focus Taiwan, the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office issued an indictment on January 9. The indictment details that Wang, aged 32, contacted Taiwan’s emergency services after his dinghy became stranded near the Shantou coast in Linkou District around 6 a.m. on September 14, 2024. Upon rescue, Wang informed Coast Guard personnel of his intent to reach Taiwan to find freedom.

Wang acknowledged entering Taiwan without legal authorization, leading to charges under the Immigration Act and the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. Prosecutors noted that Wang embarked on his journey at approximately 9 a.m. on September 9 from Taizhou in China’s Zhejiang Province.

Evidence gathered from Wang’s communication devices indicates that he purchased all necessary equipment, including the rubber boat, from Taobao. His supplies included 10 solar charging panels and 10 oil barrels, which he utilized throughout his five-day voyage to Taiwan. Additionally, investigators discovered wind charts, internet searches, and screenshots of sea and weather conditions on Wang’s phone, dated September 8.

Currently, Wang is being held incommunicado. Under the Immigration Act, individuals entering or exiting Taiwan without authorization may face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to NT$500,000 (US$15,253).