China calls man’s Taiwan Strait crossing ’purely personal’

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A Chinese official on Wednesday (June 12) called the actions of the Chinese national who sailed across the Taiwan Strait and arrived at Tamsui "purely personal," criticizingthe Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration for overreacting.

The 60-year-old man from China, identified only by his surname Juan, made headlines after crossing the Taiwan Strait in a speedboat to land at Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf in New Taipei City on Sunday, claiming he was "seeking freedom."

The Taiwan Coast Guard detected the boat six nautical miles off Tamsui, closely monitored it, and intercepted it, bringing Juan in for investigation.

Chen Binhua, spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office, warned that if Juan returns to China, he will be punished according to relevant regulations.

On Tuesday, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling revealed that Juan had previously served as a captain in the People's Liberation Army Navy, raising national security concerns in Taiwan.

The revelation has increased scrutiny of Juan's motives and the potential implications for Taiwan's security. As tensions between Taiwan and China continue to simmer, incidents like these underscore the complex dynamics at play in the Taiwan Strait.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Taiwan and China's actions in managing cross-strait relations and ensuring regional stability.

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