A crumbling old water tower in a Bosnian town near the EU border is now a temporary shelter for migrants hoping to cross into the EU countries. Among them is Zhang, a Chinese man who fled China with his children due to political oppression. He arrived in Bosnia after a perilous journey through multiple countries, seeking a better life and freedom of speech. The number of Chinese migrants attempting the Balkan route has been on the rise, with many being caught at the border with Croatia. The strict surveillance state and economic struggles in China are driving factors behind this new wave of migrants.
Bosnia offers visa-free travel, attracting Chinese migrants who use it as a stepping stone to reach Western Europe. Many risk illegal crossings into EU countries due to fears of deportation back to Bosnia. Zhang’s journey highlights the personal and political reasons behind the growing Chinese migrant population in Europe. The US-Mexico border has also seen a surge in Chinese nationals attempting to cross, seeking asylum or a better future amidst crackdowns in China.
Despite facing challenges and rejection, many Chinese migrants are determined to find freedom and opportunities in Europe. Asylum applications from Chinese nationals in Germany and the Netherlands have doubled, reflecting a growing trend of Chinese migration to the EU. However, the harsh realities of the migrant journey are evident in the story of Kai Zhu, a Chinese man buried in a Bosnian cemetery after a lonely and tragic end to his quest for a new life.
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