Chinese man sentenced to 8 months for illegal Taiwan entry by dinghy

New Taipei, Feb. 18 (CNA) A Chinese man who was rescued about 100 meters off the coast of New Taipei last year after making a nearly five-day sea crossing in a rubber dinghy to "seek freedom" was sentenced to eight months in prison on Tuesday.

The verdict is subject to appeal.

According to the New Taipei District Court, the man, identified by his surname Wang (王), violated the Immigration Act after his dinghy ran aground near the Shantou coast in Linkou District on Sept. 14, 2024.

After being rescued, the 32-year-old told Coast Guard personnel that he had sailed to Taiwan "to seek freedom."

The court ruled that Wang's unauthorized entry compromised national security and Taiwan's immigration control.

While his actions were deemed serious, the court considered mitigating factors, including his confession, self-surrender, educational background and financial situation, before determining the sentence.

Meanwhile, the court noted that Wang's Chinese nationality prevents the application of Taiwan's Criminal Code deportation provisions.

It added that authorities responsible for cross-strait affairs will decide whether he is deported.

According to the court, Wang set sail on Sept. 9 from Taizhou in China's Zhejiang Province, using a rubber boat and equipment purchased from the Chinese online shopping platform Taobao, including solar panels and ten barrels of fuel.