Taiwan says soldier who went missing has been found in China

A Taiwanese soldier serving on an islet close to the Chinese coast who went missing last week has been found in China, a senior Taiwan minister said on
Monday, an incident that has happened amid heightened tensions.
Taiwan’s defence ministry said on Thursday that the soldier had failed to report for roll-call on Erdan islet, part of the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen group of islands that lie near the Chinese city of Xiamen.
Speaking to reporters in parliament, Chiu Tai-san, head of Taiwan’s China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council, said the soldier was in China.
“It’s confirmed that he is in the mainland. The defence ministry and relevant departments are actively aware of the relevant progress and situation,” he said.
“The defence ministry has their relevant mechanisms for identifying deserters,” Chiu added.
The defence ministry declined to comment. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.