Update Sept. 14, 2024, 5:28 p.m.
The Mainland Affairs Council later confirmed that those who break the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area face imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to NT$500,000 under the Immigration Act. It emphasized that the government does not encourage illegal entry into the country.
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Chinese national was discovered on an inflatable boat near the coast of Linkou District on Saturday (Sept. 14) and has been transported to the hospital for dehydration treatment.
The 30-year-old man, surnamed Wang (王), came to Taiwan due to debts back home in the hope of starting a new life. He is believed to have departed from Niuweitang Beach in Ningbo, China, according to the Coast Guard Administration.
The Coast Guard explained that Wang's inflatable boat, due to its small size and slow speed, was hard to detect on radar. Even after reviewing radar data, no suspicious tracks were found.
A report was received around 6:30 a.m. Saturday about an individual near the Houkeng Creek estuary. Coast Guard personnel found a small inflatable boat about 100 meters offshore and assisted Wang onto shore at 7:04 a.m.
This is the second time a Chinese citizen has tried to illegally enter north Taiwan this year. The 60-year-old Juan Fang-yung (阮芳勇), a former member of the Chinese Communist Party navy, spent NT$162,163 (US$5,075) on a speedboat and sailed from China's Fujian Province to New Taipei's Tamsui District on Aug. 6, according to Ftv News.
Juan was eventually arrested on suspicion of illegal entry at Tamsui Ferry Pier. The investigation into this case is still ongoing.
The lack of infrared thermal imaging equipment hindered their ability to detect small targets, the Coast Guard said. The case has been referred to prosecutors for further investigation.
The Coast Guard highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen their surveillance capabilities by introducing infrared thermal imaging equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles, and new vessels. These enhancements are expected to substantially improve their detection capabilities.
