‘I must get out into the free world’, dissident who fled China on boat tells BBC
I Must Get Out Into the Free World: A Chinese Dissident's Sea Escape to Canada
I must get out into the free - “I must get out into the free world,” said Chinese dissident Dong Guangping as he recounted his harrowing escape from China to South Korea via a rubber boat. Nearly two months after the journey, he shared his story with BBC Chinese, describing the risks he took to flee the country. Now settled in Canada, Dong’s fifth attempt to leave China highlights his unwavering resolve to escape authoritarian control and find freedom abroad.
A Legacy of Resistance and Imprisonment
Dong Guangping, 68, has spent decades challenging the Chinese government’s policies as a human rights advocate. His activism dates back to the late 1980s, when he joined the pro-democracy movement. In 1999, he lost his police job after 13 years of service for signing a petition commemorating the Tiananmen crackdown. His commitment to dissent led to further detention, including a three-year sentence in 2001 for “inciting subversion of state power” and another term in 2014 for participating in a Tiananmen commemoration, as documented by Amnesty International.
Despite repeated arrests and deportations, Dong’s determination to reach the “free world” has never wavered. In 2020, he fled to Vietnam, where he lived in hiding for two years before being sent back to China. That year, he served nearly a year in prison for his continued activism. His recent escape in May 2023 marks his fifth attempt to break free from the country’s political system, each time driven by the same phrase that has become a rallying cry for his journey.
The Perilous Ocean Crossing
Dong’s most recent escape involved a 40-hour boat trip covering over 300km from Shandong province to South Korea. The voyage was fraught with danger, as he relied on a digital compass and dwindling battery power to navigate the open sea. “If I couldn’t find my way, I would have been stuck in the water for days,” he explained in a video call from Toronto. “I must get out into the free world, and this was my best chance.”
After nearly 30 hours at sea, Dong spotted a fishing boat and called for help, shouting, “Call police, call police!” He was rescued in South Korea’s Taean county and temporarily detained at a refugee center in Incheon before being granted political asylum in Canada. The journey, which he planned to continue toward Japan, symbolized his belief that escape from China’s surveillance and repression was worth any risk.
Government Response and Dong’s Determination
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has consistently defended its control over citizen movements, stating that entry and exit are managed “in accordance with the law.” Officials have emphasized that Dong’s actions are a breach of national sovereignty. However, the dissident insists that his escape was necessary to demonstrate his independence from the Chinese Communist Party. “I can never survive in China. If I didn’t leave, I would never be at peace,” he said in a recent interview.
"I must get out into the free world. It’s not just about escaping; it’s about proving that I can live without fear of being silenced. They cannot stop me, they cannot control me," Dong declared.
Dong’s decision to flee by sea underscores his desperation and conviction. Each time he was intercepted, whether by fishermen or border patrols, he refused to back down. His current asylum in Canada represents a new chapter in his fight for freedom, with hopes of reuniting his family and continuing his advocacy from a safer base. His story has also sparked international discussions about the treatment of dissenters in China and the lengths to which they will go to escape it.
A Symbol of Resilience and Hope
Dong Guangping’s escape has become a powerful symbol of resilience for activists within China. His repeated attempts to flee—spanning years of imprisonment and deportation—highlight the challenges faced by those seeking refuge. The phrase “I must get out into the free world” has resonated with others in similar situations, offering both motivation and a shared goal.
As he adapts to life in Canada, Dong remains focused on his mission. He has spoken publicly about the importance of maintaining his voice and the sacrifices made to achieve freedom. “The free world is not just a place—it’s a mindset. I must get out into it to keep fighting,” he said. His journey has also inspired a new wave of supporters, both domestically and internationally, who see his escape as a testament to the human spirit’s defiance against oppression.