Boat Escape: ‘I Must Get Out Into’ Freedom

I must get out into the free – “I must get out into the free world,” declared Dong Guangping, a 68-year-old Chinese dissident who recently completed a harrowing maritime journey to reach Canada. After months of uncertainty, the former police officer has successfully reunited with his family in Toronto, marking the culmination of a perilous escape that tested both his physical endurance and mental resolve. As his small inflatable boat navigated through treacherous waters, Dong experienced a profound mix of fear and hope, knowing that every passing hour brought him closer to safety or further into danger.

The journey began with Dong awake for two consecutive days, fully aware that attempting to leave China by sea represented one of the most significant risks of his life. Despite careful preparation, the actual experience proved even more challenging than he had anticipated. Severe sunburn covered his skin, his mobile phone battery was rapidly depleting, and his portable power bank had completely drained. With the vast ocean stretching endlessly around him, Dong relied heavily on a digital compass to maintain his course toward South Korea before his communication device failed entirely.

“Not being able to navigate would have been terrifying. I could have drifted back towards China,” Dong told BBC Chinese nearly two months after his dramatic escape from the communist nation.

The Moment of Rescue

Forty hours after departing from the eastern Shandong province, Dong was finally rescued by a combination of the South Korean coast guard and local fishermen in Korean waters on the evening of May 27. The relief he felt upon seeing land cannot be overstated, yet his journey was not entirely complete. Although he faced brief detention upon arrival in South Korea, the experience was merely a temporary setback. He has since secured a new life in Canada, where he now expresses his unwavering determination to remain abroad permanently.

Speaking via video call from his new home in Toronto, Dong articulated his deep conviction about his future. “I can never survive in China,” he stated firmly, emphasizing his resolve. “If I didn’t leave, I will never be at peace for the rest of my life. I had to show the Chinese Communist Party I was capable of leaving. They cannot stop me, they cannot control me.” His words reflect not just personal liberation, but a broader statement about the human spirit’s desire for freedom.

A Life of Activism and Sacrifice

Dong’s path to freedom was paved with years of political activism and personal sacrifice. Having transitioned from a career in law enforcement to become a prominent human rights advocate, he has endured multiple stints in Chinese prisons due to his unwavering commitment to democratic values. His troubles began in earnest in 1999 when he was dismissed from the police force after thirteen years of dedicated service. His dismissal followed his signature on a petition supporting democratic reforms, an act that marked the beginning of his long journey as a dissident.

Throughout his activism, Dong has consistently demonstrated courage in the face of adversity. His decision to flee by boat rather than seek asylum through conventional channels speaks to both his desperation and his determination. The phrase “I must get out into” the free world has become more than just words—it represents a fundamental truth about his existence and his need for personal and political freedom. His story resonates with countless others who have made similar journeys, each carrying their own hopes and fears across the same treacherous waters.

As Dong settles into his new life in Canada, he continues to reflect on his journey with gratitude and purpose. His experience serves as a powerful reminder of the lengths people will go to secure their freedom, and the enduring human desire to live without fear of persecution.