Chinese dissident who escaped to South Korea recounts journey

A Chinese dissident, Dong Guangping, described his escape journey after reaching Canada following detention in South Korea, in a case that underscores the risks faced by activists. He said he left Weihai in eastern China on May 24 in a small rubber boat, aiming for Japan, but fog and failing power sources forced him to change course toward South Korea. He endured about 40 hours at sea with his phone battery nearly dead and feared the boat might capsize. Detained by South Korean authorities for illegal entry, he was placed in a refugee center in Incheon after a court refused to approve his arrest. Officials later asked for personal details as part of Canada’s request, and he flew to Toronto about a week later. Authorities, the UN refugee agency, and South Korea had not commented on the case.