Real-name ticket system hinders NK defectors` travel in China

Real-name ticket system hinders NK defectors` travel in China. February. 18, 2012 01:36. will71@donga.com.

The U.S.-based Radio Free Asia reported Friday that the real-name train ticket purchase system meant to keep ticket scalpers in check is making it difficult to rescue North Korean defectors in China.

The Chinese government since last year has implemented the system, which requires passengers to submit ID to buy train tickets to prevent ticket scalping nationwide. A source around the North Korea-China border told Radio Free Asia, "It`s become impossible for people to buy ordinary train tickets, not to mention those for high-speed train, without possessing legitimate IDs."

Groups that help defectors in China would commonly use the train when traveling long distance with defectors to dodge public security authorities, but the real-name ticket purchase system has made it far more difficult to use trains.

A source with a U.S. missionary active in China said, "Since last year, passengers are required to submit IDs even when buying long-distance bus tickets," adding, "If defectors fail to purchase train and bus tickets, they must take longer detour routes, which ends up costing more."

According to Radio Free Asia, organizations that help defectors face a significantly higher economic burden and the risk of arrest during travel, adding, "Helping hands are desperately needed to enable North Korean defectors in China to gain their freedom safe and sound."