China has urged Mexico to accelerate its investigation into the deaths of eight Chinese nationals in a boat accident, shedding light on the risks faced by the thousands of Chinese individuals traveling to the Mexico-U.S. border in search of political asylum.
During a regular news briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated, “The Chinese Embassy in Mexico has requested the Mexican side to expedite the investigation into the incident and has dispatched a working group to the scene.” He also mentioned that China is closely monitoring the situation.
The Attorney General’s Office of the Mexican state of Oaxaca confirmed the discovery of eight deceased Chinese nationals in a “migration situation” near the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, as per a statement dated March 30 on its website.
According to the statement, the victims, consisting of seven women and one man, were traveling on a boat from Tapachula in Chiapas state when it capsized on March 29.
The bodies were recovered near Playa Vicente beach on the isthmus, with local authorities collaborating with the Chinese embassy to identify the deceased.
The embassy is actively coordinating with Mexican authorities to verify information on the deceased and offer assistance to the surviving Chinese national,” Wang stated.
In the past year, more than 24,000 Chinese nationals have utilized various perilous routes through South and Central America to reach the U.S.-Mexico border and apply for political asylum, some involving risky sea crossings.
One migrant, Li Kai, recounted the dangers of the sea journey he undertook with his family, expressing deep concerns about the safety of the voyage.
Reports suggest that the tragic deaths in Oaxaca are not isolated incidents among Chinese migrants seeking asylum in the United States.
‘Run’ Movement
Referred to in China as the “run” movement, the uptick in migration is attributed to dissatisfaction with political oppression and economic stagnation under Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping.
Following the easing of stringent containment measures in December 2022, the movement gained traction.
A former migrant labeled the route through Mexico as hazardous, likening the phenomenon to animals fleeing before a seismic event, hinting at impending upheaval in China.
Likely Evasion Route
China Democracy Party activist Jie Lijian noted that the recent incident deviated from established migration lines, potentially to bypass maritime patrols on well-known routes.
Migrants opt for riskier sea crossings to avoid border checks, deportation threats, exorbitant fees, and criminal gangs preying on them.
The surge in Chinese asylum-seekers has been supported by smugglers promoting the advantages of life in the U.S.
Social media platforms like Tik Tok have provided guidance to Chinese citizens navigating Latin America and settling in the U.S. while seeking asylum.
Translated by Luisetta Mudie.