A Chinese man's attempt to seek humanitarian protection at Taiwan's airport failed, and he was sent back to Thailand instead, a setback for his effort to avoid returning to China.

• The man, identified as Cheng Wanjun, flew from Thailand to Taiwan on a flight meant to connect onward to Beijing, but left the transit area and posted an online video pleading for help.
• He said he was a former magazine editor and state TV host who was jailed for six years after a recorded comment was reported in 2019, and fled abroad after his release.
• He claimed UN refugee agency staff in Thailand had already classified him as highest-risk, saying he no longer felt safe there.
• Taiwan's immigration agency said he could not provide evidence to meet asylum conditions and had no valid entry documents, so it sent him back to Thailand before dawn.
• Officials said he resisted boarding and tried to harm himself, requiring special measures to keep the flight safe.

Outlook: His legal situation remains unresolved, with Thailand and the UN refugee process now likely his main avenues for protection.