A man believed to be a Chinese rights activist was apprehended in South Korea following an audacious attempt to flee the country on a jet ski.

South Korea’s coast guard reported that the man had traversed approximately 300 kilometers across the Yellow Sea, relying on binoculars and a compass for navigation before encountering difficulties.

Local reports have identified him as Kwon Pyong, a vocal critic of Chinese President Xi Jinping, but his identity remains unverified. The Chinese embassy in Seoul has declined to comment on the matter.

In recent years, Beijing has escalated its use of exit bans at airports and other legal border crossings to prevent activists from leaving Chinese territory. The situation has become more challenging for dissidents as many countries in Southeast Asia with pro-Beijing inclinations have ceased providing refuge to asylum seekers.

Last month, prominent Chinese human rights lawyer Lu Siwei was apprehended in Laos and forcibly returned to China, preventing him from reuniting with his wife and children in the United States.

Jet skiing across treacherous waters to reach South Korea is a remarkable escape attempt, even in modern times. South Korea’s coast guard revealed that the man, wearing a life jacket and helmet, towed five barrels of fuel from Shandong province behind his 1800cc jet ski. He refueled during the journey and disposed of the empty barrels in the sea. However, he ran into trouble near a cruise terminal off the western port of Incheon and sought assistance.

Self-smuggling

While the coast guard did not disclose the man’s identity, they confirmed his detention last Wednesday for attempting to “smuggle himself” into the city. There are no suspicions of espionage in this case.

Lee Dae-seon, a South Korea-based campaigner from the non-profit organization Dialogue China, told AFP that the escapee is indeed Mr. Kwon, aged 35, who has previously been imprisoned in China for openly criticizing President Xi.