The dire situation in China and the Hong Kong crackdown could see thousands seek sanctuary in Taiwan

Taiwan News
Date: 2020/08/15
By: David Spencer, Taiwan News, Contributing Writer

KAOHSIUNG (Taiwan News) – The arrival of an asylum seeker from China on a beach in Kinmen last weekend understandably drew headlines across Taiwan and beyond.

The 45-year old said he had swum for seven hours to cross the treacherous Weitou Bay (圍頭灣) from Xiamen. On being detained he claimed he could no longer stand the political climate in China and yearned for the freedom of Taiwan.

Given the levels of hostility being shown toward Taiwan by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the authorities in Kinmen are understandably seeking to clarify his story before processing any asylum claim. They will be keen to ensure he isn’t a spy, or a risk to national security.

That said, given the dire situation in China right now — widespread flooding, food shortages, a rapidly contracting economy, not to mention the ongoing Wuhan coronavirus pandemic — it should come as no surprise if ordinary people give up on the CCP’s lies and seek a better life in a freer society.    [FULL  STORY]