He fled China on a jet ski , braving fate and the troubled waters of the Yellow Sea to reach the shores of South Korea. The man, believed to be Chinese human rights activist Kwon Pyong , is been arrested . The South Korean coast guard said it traveled the stretch of sea between the eastern province of Shandong and the Korean peninsula, with the support of binoculars and a compass, before getting stuck.

The Seoul media have identified him as the well-known 35-year-old activist who is highly critical of President Xi Jinping. But the identity is yet to be confirmed. In recent years, Beijing has increased its use of exit bans to prevent activists from leaving. Many pro-Beijing countries in Southeast Asia no longer grant asylum and provide for repatriation, increasing the difficulties faced by dissidents who hope to flee and reach their families abroad.

The man, as reported by the coast guard, wearing a life jacket and helmet, was towing 5 barrels of fuel to feed the vehicle. The arrest was triggered for his attempt to "enter the country clandestinely". According to the first reports, he is considering applying for political refugee status in Korea or in another country.

(Unioneonline/vf)