A soldier who fell overboard July 6 en route to Matsu and was later picked up by a Chinese fishing boat returned to Matsu yesterday.
Army private Liu Chin-hung (
PHOTO: CNA
Before leaving China, the 21-year-old soldier told reporters from Taiwan and China that he had fallen into the sea "by accident."
But Liu fell silent when asked whether he had planned to defect to China.
"I want to thank those who saved my life," he said.
Liu was accompanied by PFP Legislator Tsao Yuan-jhang (曹原彰), Matsu Commissioner Chen Hsueh-sheng (陳雪生), Mainland Affairs Council Chief Secretary Pao Cheng-kang (鮑正鋼), Red Cross officials and medical personnel upon his return to Matsu via a direct voyage from Mawei Port in Fujian Province yesterday.
Tsao said yesterday that Liu has recovered from the facial burns and body swelling he sustained during three days' adrift at sea, and is in a good condition.
Refusing to comment on Liu's motives, Tsao nevertheless said the Chinese government showed good will in the matter, and called upon China "to cooperate with Taiwan if similar humanitarian-related cases happen."
As to how Liu fell overboard, both Tsao and Jan said that it is up to the military to investigate.
Military personnel declined to comment yesterday.
Liu, a resident of Taipei County's Hsinchuang township, is fulfilling his mandatory military service at an artillery unit on Nankang islet, part of the Matsu island group.
He was reported missing July 6 from a ship chartered by the military to provide regular transportation for soldiers serving on Matsu.
On July 8, China reported that a Taiwanese man wearing a life jacket -- later confirmed to be Liu -- had been rescued by a Chinese fishing vessel.
Liu's mysterious disappearance stirred up speculation that it might not have been an accident, especially given the fact that he was wearing a life vest and civilian clothes when he was rescued.
If it is proven that Liu jumped overboard, he could be charged with desertion.
Chinese authorities notified lawmaker Tsao instead of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF, 海基會) or Taiwanese governmental agencies to ask for assistance in the Liu case.
However, Pao showed up in Fujian and accompanied Liu back to Matsu yesterday.
Jan said Pao went to China to show his concern and assist in the matter.
Tsao told the Taipei Times yesterday, "I wasn't aware that Pao was there until I saw him."
Jan admitted that the government had not integrated the efforts of various agencies and individuals in this case, but said that "each agency and individual contributed their efforts."
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