This Extended Response updates CHN33180.EX of 26 November 1999 regarding Falun Dafa (Falun Gong, Falungong) in China. It also updates information regarding Falun Dafa in Fujian province found in CHN33002.EX of 8 October 1999 and includes updated information regarding documentation associated with Falun Dafa practice.

General Information

 

The following information regarding the strategies adopted by the authorities in China to attempt to identify Falun Dafa leaders was provided by the Country Information Service (CIS) of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA), Australia:

 

PRC authorities have questioned large numbers of Falungong practitioners in their efforts to identify leaders and organisers. In many cases, such questioning has involved periods of detention. Early release is offered for those who co-operate, including by identifying those who had "led them astray". We have seen reports from non-government sources based in Hong Kong and abroad citing instances of physical abuse in order to obtain information about Falungong leaders and activities (these claims were repeated by Falungong members in a press conference in Beijing with members of the foreign media on 28 October 1999). In some instances, inducements have been offered to selected adherents to act as informants within the organisation. According to informed sources, another common practice employed by security authorities is to approach family members of a known Falungong adherent and ask them to help the authorities to identify those responsible for leading astray their family member.It is made clear that early release of the family member is contingent upon the provision of such information. We do not have accurate data on the number of people currently remaining in custody.The Hong Kong-based "Information Centre of Human Rights and Democratic Movement in China" has reported arrests in various parts of China on charges relating to Falungong activities (offences include the publication of Falungong literature, the setting up of a Falungong Website, organising demonstrations, etc). Chinese authorities have released no details on trials to date. The main criterion for selecting individuals for prosecution while releasing others appears to be the degree to which an individual has played a leadership or organisational role in Falungong, this is especially the case for those suspected of organising demonstrations and other perceived acts of defiance after the banning of Falungong on 22 July. Detainees who express contrition for their actions, renounce their beliefs and publicly denounce Falungong teachings are likely to be released quickly after questioning. Others have been released with a warning (ibid).

 

On 22 November 1999, AFP reported that Gu Zhiyi, an alleged Falungong "leader," was tried in Chongqing, on charges of using "evil religion" to destroy laws and of disrupting stability by organizing crowds. She had organized protests against three newspapers that had published articles denouncing Falun Dafa and organized "mass practice sessions." Gu Zhiyi had been arrested on 20 July 1999, two days before the ban announced by the Ministry of Civil Affairs took effect (ibid.). The AFP report, citing the Hong Kong-based Information Centre on Human Rights and Democratic Movement in China, stated that at least 1,000 practitioners had been sent to "labour camps" and that "many more" trials would be conducted in the coming months.

 

On 24 November 1999 the Ministry of Public Security issued "Regulations on Managing Mass Cultural and Sports Activities" (Zhongguo Tongxun She 3 Dec. 1999;BBC 24 Nov. 1999; Xinhua 24 Nov. 1999). The regulations stipulate that gatherings of more than 200 people in public places for sports, cultural and qi gong activities (a traditional martial arts form of which Falun Dafa is a variant), would require permission from public security bureau chiefs above the county level, and that events attracting over 3,000 participants would require permission at or above the prefecture level (ibid.). The regulations further prohibit nine categories of mass congregations, including those that propagate superstition and heresy and stipulate that mass congregations may not be held near government buildings above the county level, foreign embassies and consulates, television and radio stations, military installations and other "vital institutions" (ibid.). The Research Directorate was unable to obtain the complete text of the regulations within the time constraints of this publication.

 

On 30 November 1999, Reuters reported that a higher court had upheld the sentences of four Falun Dafa "leaders" in Hainan province who had been charged following the introduction of new legal measures on 30 October 1999 (see CHN33180.EX and attachments). The same report cites the Information Centre on Human Rights and Democratic Movement in China, which claims that over 35,000 people had been detained in the nation-wide crackdown between 20 July and 30 October 1999, stating that it was not known how many remained in detention. On 3 December 1999, AFP reported that the trial of four alleged leaders of the "Falungong Beijing branch" was postponed after large numbers of Falungong practitioners gathered around the court building.

 

On 3 December 1999 China Daily reported that Wei Jianxing, a senior member of the Communist Party of China, identified the "fight against the Falun Gong cult and all other kinds of cults" as a priority for the coming year in a speech to senior judicial and public security officials. Xiao Yang, president of the Supreme People's Court also identified the Falun Dafa crackdown as a priority for the coming year (Xinhua 14 Dec. 1999). In December 1999, authorities took measures against another qi gong-based practice, the Zhong Gong movement in Shaanxi province, relocating practitioners to Xian and monitoring the movement's leader (AFP 5 Dec. 1999). On 9 December 1999, AFP, citing the Information Centre of Human Rights and Democratic Movement in China, reported that 103 religious figures had been arrested in the preceding three weeks, including representatives of unregistered Christian groups, in what is described as an extension of the Falun Dafa crackdown.

 

A detailed chronology covering the history of Falun Dafa through 5 December 1999, prepared by the Resource Information Centre of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), is electronically attached to this Extended Response.

 

Falun Dafa in Fujian

 

Detailed information concerning Falun Dafa in Fujian province, additional to that in CHN33002.EX of 8 October 1999, is scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. The above referenced report by the Australian CIS states that:

 

Anecdotal evidence, including reports from representatives of other foreign embassies, indicates that the treatment of Falungong activities by government authorities does vary by province and by region, but we are unable to offer specific guidance on this point. Generally, southern provinces seem to enjoy a less rigorous approach than areas where Falungong is more of an issue, such as in the Northeast.However, we are aware of exceptions to this rule.As a general rule, efforts by local authorities to implement central government instructions on any issue may vary considerably from locality to locality (5 Nov. 1999).

 

On 23 July 1999 articles appeared in the state-owned Fujian Ribao expressing the support of numerous bodies for the 22 July 1999 measures against Falun Dafa. One article states that:

 

What we are waging with the Falun Gong organization is a grave political struggle that involves the very principles of good and evil. In the course of this struggle, the leadership of every democratic political party, every association of industry and commerce, every organization with a role in this issue and every religious group must maintain a high level of political responsibility and political alertness and assist the Chinese Communist Party and the people's government in its work of maintaining stability (23 July 1999).

 

On 28 July 1999, the Fuzhou Ribao published an article entitled "Five Suggestions from the Provincial Party Committee on Implementing the 'Circular from the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party on Forbidding the Involvement of Party Members in the Practice of the Falun Dafa'." It stated that, according to the Fujian Ribao, the Fujian Provincial Party Committee had recently asked the Party organizations throughout Fujian to:

 

Fully understand the importance and urgency of dealing with and resolving the Falun Gong problem and bring their thinking and actions in line with the spirit of the Central Committee of the Party;

 

Resolutely implement the Central Committee's measures and organize an intensive study and education program within the Party around the Falun Gong question;

 

Closely integrate the aforementioned study and education program with each stage of education work in the "Three Values";

 

Rigorously observe the restrictions set out in policy and do substantive and meticulous work in thought transformation;

 

Earnestly strengthen the leadership of the organization to ensure that this study and educational program is clearly successful (ibid).

 

On 5 August 1999, the Renmin Ribao published a list of Falun Dafa "sieges," protests at media outlets and government offices, which included references to the Fuzhou Ribao and Xiamen Ribao in Fujian province. However, no details or dates are given for the Fujian protests. A 1 November 1999 article in the Renmin Ribao purported to expose the structure of Falun Dafa in all regions of China, claiming that "Falun Gong organizations in places like Shandong and Fujian" had developed a second and third echelon in anticipation of the arrest of their leadership during the crackdown.

 

One of the participants at a clandestine press conference of Falun Dafa practitioners in Beijing in October 1999 was Jiang Chaohui, reportedly a manager in a joint venture in Fujian (New York Times 29 Oct. 1999). No subsequent information regarding the participants in the press conference could be found within the time constraints of this publication.

 

Following the characterization of Falun Dafa as a cult in October 1999 (see CHN33180.EX and attachments), the Fuzhou Wanbao on 29 October 1999 published approving comments from several people, including the head of Fuzhou's Religious Affairs Bureau, a cadre in Fuzhou's Federation of Trade Unions, a cadre at the Overseas Chinese Plastics Factory and an assistant professor at the Workers Part-Time University (29 Oct. 1999).

 

Several days later, the Fujian Ribao published an article describing anti-Falun Dafa efforts in the city of Zhangzhou, Fujian, quoting "former followers" and describing re-education efforts in Zhao'an County (2 Nov. 1999).

 

A 12 November 1999 Fujian Ribao article states that five Falun Dafa practitioners in Xiamen, Fujian had been punished, with two of the practitioners receiving a 15-day public security detention for keeping illegal materials and holding illegal meetings "despite repeated warnings" (12 Nov. 1999). The other two practitioners received "public security warnings" (ibid.).

 

Further information regarding Falun Dafa practice in Fujian province could not be found within the time constraints of this publication. There are no reports specific to Fujian listed on the updated 8 December 1999 list of "Chinese Government's Severe Violations of Falun Gong Practitioners' Human Rights" on a Website purportedly representing Falun Dafa in North America (Minghui Net 8 Dec. 1999).

 

Falun Dafa Documentation

 

Information concerning Falun Dafa (Falun Gong, Falungong) documentation is scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. Several practitioners contacted by the Research Directorate stated that there were no membership lists or membership cards for Falun Dafa practitioners. These sources included two practitioners currently in New York, Gail Rachlin (9 Nov. 1999) and Zhang Erping (24 Nov. 1999) who have acted as media spokespersons regarding Falun Dafa practice and the situation in China, and Jillian Ye, a Toronto-based practitioner, originally from China, who began her practice in Beijing (30 Nov. 1999). James Seymour, a senior research scholar at Columbia University's East Asian Institute and a board member of Human Rights in China, who has written an article regarding the crackdown on Falun Dafa in China Rights Forum, similarly stated that he was unaware of any documentation associated with Falun Dafa that could serve as proof that a person was a practitioner (1 Dec. 1999).

 

However, according to Jillian Ye, during the early years following the introduction of Falun Dafa until sometime in 1994, when Falun Dafa founder Master Li Hongzhi was teaching in person, those who completed their nine day training received a certificate (30 Nov. 1999). Ms. Ye declined to provide details regarding the appearance of the certificates other than to state that there was a high likelihood that variations existed and that she doubted that any such documents were issued after 1994 (ibid.).

 

According to an article by Zheng Yan published on a Falun Dafa Website on 23 November 1999, inauthentic Falun Dafa courses are currently being advertised in China, which last 10 days and are offered for a fee, and culminate in the presentation of a diploma. The author states: "Allegedly, a person can immigrate directly to the United States armed with this diploma." Information corroborating this article could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within time constraints.

 

This Extended Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Extended Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

 

Agence France Presse (AFP). 9 December 1999. "PRC Arrests 103 'Underground' Religious Leaders." (FBIS-CHI-1999-1209 9 Dec. 1999/WNC)

 

_____. 5 December 1999. "PRC Authorities to Crack Down on Zhong Gong Followers." (FBIS-CHI-1999-1205 5 Dec. 1999/WNC)

 

_____. 3 December 1999. "Beijing Falungong Trial Postponed as Members Gather." (FBIS-CHI-1999-1203 3 Dec. 1999/WNC)

 

_____. 22 November 1999. "Falungong Leader Said Awaiting Sentence in PRC." (FBIS-CHI-1999-1121 22 Nov. 1999/WNC)

 

Australia. Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA), Country Information Service (CIS). 5 November 1999. "Falun Gong aka Falun Dafa in China."

 

BBC. 24 November 1999. "China Tightens Screws on Falungong."

 

China Daily. 3 December 1999. Jia Hepeng. "Law Enforcers to Intensify Efforts."

 

Fujian Ribao. 12 November 1999. "Falun Gong Followers in Xiamen Punished." (BBC Summary 15 Nov. 1999/NEXIS)

 

_____. 2 November 1999. "Maintaining Social Stability Through the Firm Suppression of Cults; Broad Spectrum of Fujian Officials and Public Continue More Deeply into Exposing the Falun Gong." [Accessed 23 Nov. 1999] (Translated by Translation Bureau, Multilingual Translation Directorate, Public Works and Government Services Canada, 1 Dec. 1999)

 

_____. 23 July 1999. Tian Minghua. "Uphold Ideals and Maintain Stability: The United Front Department of the Fujian Party Committee Reports to Non-Party Personages on the Spirit of the Directive Concerning the Handling and Resolution of the Falun Gong Problem; Resolutely Support the Decision of the Party Central; Raise Awareness; Maintain Stability; The Fujian Provincial leadership and Departmental Cadres Circulate and Study the Spirit of the Directive from the Party Central on Handling and Resolving the Falun Gong Problem."

 

Fuzhou Ribao. 28 July 1999. "Five Suggestions from the Provincial Party Committee on Implementing the 'Circular from the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party on Forbidding the Involvement of Party Members in the Practice of the Falun Dafa'."

 

Fuzhou Wanbao. 29 October 1999. Chen Changsen. "Having Read 'The Falun Gong - A Dengerous Cult,' Fuzhou's Cadre Leaders and General Public Feel Real Face of Falun Gong Thoroughly Exposed."

 

Minghui Net. 8 December 1999. "Chinese Government's Severe Violations of Falun Gong Practitioners' Human Rights."

 

New York Times. 29 October 1999. Erik Eckholm. "Beijing Sect Members Covertly Meet Press and Ask World's Help." (NEXIS)

 

Rachlin, Gail. Falun Dafa spokesperson and public relations volunteer, New York. 9 November 1999. Telephone interview.

 

Renmin Ribao. 1 November 1999. "Party Paper Says 78 Illegal Cult Protests Have Taken Place." (BBC Summary 3 Nov. 1999/NEXIS)

 

_____. 5 August 1999. "Renmin Ribao Lists Falun Gong 'Sieges'." (FBIS-CHI-1999-0805 5 Aug. 1999/WNC)

 

Reuters. 30 November 1999. "China Upholds Jail Terms on Falun Gong Leaders."

 

Seymour, James, Senior research scholar, East Asian Institute, Columbia University, New York. 30 November 1999. Telephone interview.

 

Xinhua. 14 December 1999. "Court President Says PRC Courts to Crack Down on Crime." (FBIS-CHI-1999-1214 14 Dec. 1999/WNC)

 

_____. 24 November 1999. "China to Regulate Mass Gatherings." (BBC Summary 24 Nov. 1999/NEXIS)

 

Ye, Jillian. 30 November 1999. Falun Dafa practitioner, Toronto. Telephone interview.

 

Zhang Erping. 24 November 1999. Falun Dafa practitioner, New York. Telephone interview.

 

Zheng Yan. 23 November 1999. "Riding on the Falun Gong's Coattails, or Trying to Do It In?"

 

Zhongguo Tongxun She. [Hong Kong, in Chinese]. 3 December 1999. "Public Security Ministry Issues Rules on Public Gathering." (FBIS-CHI-1999-1204 3 Dec. 1999/WNC)

 

Electronic Attachment

 

United States. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), Resource Information Centre. 5 December 1999. Chronological List of Events for the Falun Gong Movement.

 CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF EVENTS FOR THE

FALUN GONG MOVEMENT

1951

Born in Gongzhui, Jilin province.1

Born in Changchun, the son of medical doctors.2

 

1952

China claims that Li changed his date of birth to coincide with the birthday of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, in an effort to deify himself.3

In 1999, 80-year old Pan Yufang, who was the midwife at the birth of Li Hongzhi, states that Li fabricated his birthday and background. "Li was born on July 7, 1952, not May 13, 1951 as he later told his followers."4

 

According to Li Hongzhi, he received personal instructions from Master Quanxue, the 10th successor to the unique Buddhist dharma.6

 

 

According to Li Hongzhi, beginning in 1974, he had more than 20 Buddhist and Taoist teachers instruct him.10

1992

According to the Falun Gong, between 1992 and 1994, 54 lecture series were held across China, attracting up to 5,000 listeners at each event.13

After three years, Li Hongzhi stops teaching Falun Gong.15

Concerned authorities in Hangzhou take action to ban the spread of the Falun Gong.16

1996

The Chinese Public Security reportedly determines the nature of the Falun Gong as an "evil sect," but because of its huge number of followers, the authorities decided not to make a rash announcement.19

Li Hongzhi moves to Houston after China bans the sale of his books.20

In the 1997 second issue of its internal bulletin 'Research News,' the China Buddhist Association analyzed the Falun Gong, stating that Li Hongzhi's negation of traditional Buddhist doctrine and Buddhist monks in his book "Zhuan Falun" is viewed as his way of replacing these icons with the Falun Gong doctrine.26

1997

Li left China at the apparent urging of authorities.28

Li applies for immigration to the U.S. because, he says, China's security organs were getting concerned about the rising number of his adherents.29

"I was not kicked out of China. My daughter saw a lot of people who came here to study...so we came as a family."30

Li moved to the United States partly through pressures in China, but mainly because his 16-year-old daughter wanted to go to an American school.31

China signs the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Human Rights, pledging to respect the rights of its citizens to free association and free expression.35

1999

Chinese authorities claim that Wang Zhiwen, deputy head of the Falun Gong, incited the protest.41

Li admits that he was in Beijing, but claims it was to connect to a flight leaving for Australia. "I only was on my way to Australia, I only made connecting flights in Beijing and that incident [April 25th protest, below] happened after I left Beijing so I didn't know it at all," Li said.44 "I have never organized my followers to protest against the government. It was their own initiatives, and I was not in contact with anyone."45

Li Hongzhi departs from China to Hong Kong at 1:30 p.m. on an Air China flight 109, after spending 44 hours in Beijing.49

Representatives of Falun Gong meet with Luo Gan, secretary of the Central Political Science and Legal Commission, an official from the Ministry of Supervision, and officials from the State Council's Office to Handle Complaint Letters and Visits.50 The meeting lasts for five hours.51

Wang Kai, an official in charge of qigong under the National Sports Commission, states the government is studying the Falun Gong and has not yet reached a conclusion on whether it is an acceptable school of qigong.52 The representatives urge the authorities to grant the Falun Gong legal status, which they had applied for with the Civil Administrative Bureau for registration and admission to the Chinese Buddhist Society.53

The representatives also want the author of a critical article in the Youth Science review to be punished, an apology from the publication, the release of five [7?] members arrested and beaten during the demonstration at the Youth Science office, and recognition of their rights.54

The protesters disperse peacefully beginning at 8:30 p.m. after word spread that government leaders inside the Zhongnamhai compound met with Falun Gong representatives.55

In the evening, detainees in Tianjin are reportedly released to placate the demonstrators.56

Zhang Erping, contact person for the Falun Gong in New York, states that Li Hongzhi has not been in touch with any of the rally organizers and played no role in planning it.58

The General Offices of the Communist Party and the State Council jointly issue the message: "It has been learned that on May 1, 2 or 3, Falun Gong practitioners are likely to stage large-scale activities nationwide. Government workers must not believe rumors, spread rumors, or take part in such activities."61

An article propagating the Falun Gong by Li Qihua, the group's top official in Beijing, is shown to President Jiang Zemin. Li, a retired army general and high- ranking official at the 301 Hospital in Beijing, wrote that the Chinese leaders should look kindly on the Falun Gong.64 (Li recanted his support of the Falun Gong on July 31, 1999).

China bans members of the Falun Gong from holding large gatherings that affect social stability.74

Demonstrations by Falun Gong followers were also reported in more than 30 other cities, from Harbin in the far north to Shenzhen in the south.85

Police detain thousands of protesters in two sports stadiums in Beijing's outlying Fengtai and Shijingshan districts.86

In Guangzhou, riot police break up a demonstration of more than 10,000 Falun Gong followers and bus participants to a remote suburb.87

Police detain more than 1,000 protesters near Zhongnanhai and bus them to stadiums on the outskirts of the city.88

Those detained include Li Chang, a key negotiator in the April demonstrations in Beijing.89

Central China Television announces "Because the Falun Dafa research organization has not registered according to law, it has been decided that it is an illegal organization." 90

A government directive said the group had "engaged in superstition and disrupted public order, thereby damaging social stability."91

State television broadcasts a 30-minute documentary about Falun Gong, which criticized Li Hongzhi and included footage that appeared to have been shot clandestinely at Falun Gong functions. The elaborate production suggested that Chinese authorities had been preparing for the crackdown for some time.92

Nearly 1,000 Falun Gong practitioners continued to gather in Beijing, while police herded them onto buses and took them away. Most boarded the buses peacefully, but those who resisted were punched, kicked, and dragged onto the buses.93

In Shanghai, about 300 to 400 people gathered in People's Square, across from city hall. Police blocked access to the square but did not appear to take any action against the protesters.94

In Shenzhen, about 1,000 practitioners were driven to a school after their morning exercises, and were later released.95

U.S. Department of State spokesperson James P. Rubin said that the U.S. is not taking a position on the teachings and practices of the Falun Gong, but that the U.S. is urging China to abide by its commitments under international human rights conventions. "We are disturbed by reports of the ban, and of some heavy-handed tactics being used to prevent Chinese citizens from exercising internationally-protected fundamental human rights and freedoms," Rubin said.96

The Hong Kong government said it would not follow China's ban on Falun Gong as long as its practitioners do not violate the territory's laws.97

Following an announcement of a few days earlier, "263 Capital Online," a website offering free e-mail service in China, suspends e-mail services for 48 hours, beginning at 1500 hours.98

The Communist Youth League of China forbids its members from practicing Falun Gong.100

San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who had proclaimed July 23rd as "Li Hongzhi Day" rescinds the proclamation due to the recent protests, saying "I do not want this proclamation to be misinterpreted as a commentary on any internal issues in the People's Republic of China.101

One hundred Falun Gong practitioners protest outside the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC. Embassy spokesperson Yu Shuning says that "this is a cult, which is trying to spread superstition," adding that the government distinguishes between its followers, who are mostly "innocent," and its leaders, who "would like to disrupt social stability and already have succeeded in hoodwinking great members of the public."102

Reports posted on Falun Gong's Website state that those detained were taken to stadiums or police stations and ordered to watch a documentary critical of the sect's practices and its leader. Police recorded names, addresses and employers of those detained and sent them back to their homes.104

The Toronto Globe and Mail reports that Canadian diplomats plan to make the detention of Falun Gong members a key focus of a human rights forum to be held in China this week.107

The Hong Kong Standard reports that Chinese security forces rounded up more than 5,000 members of the Falun Gong, and identified its leaders.108

Police identified two mainland-Chinese leaders of the sect as Wang Zhiwen, a retired Railways Ministry official, and Wang Youqun, a deputy division chief with the Ministry of Supervision. Premier Zhu Rongji met the two at the April 24th protest in Beijing.109

China's People's Daily newspaper states that the Falun Gong is "a political force contending with the party and the government."111

The Washington Post reports that He Zuoxiu, a physicist and leading critic of the Falun Gong (who wrote the April 1999 article that started the protests), said the delay between the April 25 demonstrations and the crackdown this month occurred precisely because the party was concerned about Falun Gong followers in its midst. "If there weren't any [party members in Falun Gong], this problem would be easy to solve. It is for that very reason that this situation is extremely important. What if the Communist Party split into two factions, one that supported Falun Gong, and one that opposed Falun Gong? That would be a big problem. Now...everyone's opinions are in agreement."112

The Beijing municipal government destroys around 300,000 confiscated books and other materials on Falun Gong.113

Xinhua News Agency reports that since the central authorities banned the Falun Gong on July 22, China has confiscated 1.55 million volumes of illegally published books and materials on the organization.114

The Ministry of Public Security issues what it calls a "Wanted circular" for Li Hongzhi's arrest.116 The Ministry also sends an advisory to the member states of Interpol through the China Central Bureau of the Interpol, asking for international cooperation.117

U.S. State Department spokesperson Philip Reeker, noting that the U.S. and China do not have an extradition treaty, rejects China's request to extradite Li Hongzhi.118

China's Liberation Daily reports that large-scale "burnings" of Falun Gong books and tapes were to be held in Gangdong, Shandong, Hebei, Shanghai, Liaoning, Sichuan, Shaanxi, and other provinces and cities.119

The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reports that confiscated materials include more than 73,000 books in Tianjin, 130,000 books and 27,000 audio taps in Wuhan in central China, and 3,200 books and thousands of tapes in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang in China's far west.120 

According to Xinhua News Agency, the government destroyed over 2 million publications: Shanghai turned 45,000 publications into paper pulp; Yunan province destroyed 3,367 books, cassette tapes and video cassettes; Hebei province destroyed 280,000 publications; Jiangxi province destroyed 15,000 publications, including 4,025 books, 1,945 tapes, 276 pictures and 150 video tapes; Liaoning province destroyed 180,000 publications, 120,000 of them discovered in the city of Dailan; Guangdong province shredded more than 60,000 publications, most of which were turned over by Falun Gong practitioners or booksellers; Shandong province destroyed over 80,000 publications, including about 30,000 books and 28,000 videos and cassettes; other provinces reporting destruction of publications included Anhui, Heilongjing, Sichuan, Guangxi, and Shansi.121

The United States acknowledges that it received notice through Interpol of China's request for the detention of Li Hongzhi.123

The Vancouver Sun reports that in Beijing, 31,000 officials are said to have been Falun Gong members.127

China closes a Falun Gong web site, which is alleged to have spread illegal materials. A local worker at a computer company in Jilin Changchun launched the site.130

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sun Yuxi says the U.S. State Department report is groundless and wantonly interferes in China's internal affairs. Sun said that the Falun Gong group is not a religious organization, but an anti-science, anti-humanity and anti-society group that actually denigrates religions by falsely using the terms of Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity to describe philosophy. Sun added that the Falun Gong poses a serious threat to society and has been adamantly opposed by the people, particularly religious personages.138 "Nobody has been arrested or detained because of religious beliefs. If religious believers are arrested, it is not because of their religious beliefs but because they have taken part in criminal activities," Sun said.139

The Beijing Morning Post and other state-run newspapers report that five members of the Falun Gong were arrested in Beijing for organizing illegal gatherings. They were among 19 people detained recently when residents tipped off police about a Falun Gong gathering along a river behind the Beijing Exhibition Center. Fourteen of those detained "showed repentance" and were released. The six people who informed the authorities of the gathering were given a reward.140

U.S. President Bill Clintion meets Chinese President Jiang Zemin at the APEC summit in Auckland, New Zealand. Clinton asked whether he could schedule more human rights discussions to deal with such issues as Tibet and political and religious oppression in China. Jiang responds by presenting Clinton with a booklet written in Chinese and English condemning the banned Falun Gong.142 The 150-page booklet is titled "Li Hongzhi and His 'Falun Gong:' Deceiving People and Ruining Lives."143 Jiang states he does not want the Falun Gong crackdown to affect bilateral relations.144

The Communist Party launches a new newspaper, 'Study Times', to aid the study of Marxism. Hu Jintao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, says that the Party should study the following categories: Marxism, Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, and various modern knowledge ranging from economics to military tactics. Jintao noted that the fight against the Falun Gong cult shows the importance of study and the strengthening of the Party's disciplines.149

The Hong Kong organization says that while most of those arrested are being held for 5 to 15 days as regulations allow, police are beating and mistreating those Falun Gong followers who insist on continuing their banned practice in prison.151

According to the Hong Kong organization, one follower, Zhang Chunqing, claimed that guards bound her arms and legs with a 22-pound rusty chain, taped her mouth shut and would not let her eat or go to the bathroom for 48 hours. The group added that by the time she was released recently from the Nanguanling detention center in the northeast port city of Dailan, sores on her wrists and legs were infected.152

The New York Post reports that Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao, 56, was appointed vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission this week. Hu is perhaps best, and most infamously, known for his violent quashing of anti-China demonstrations in Tibet in March 1989, and, more recently, has been reportedly responsible for the country's crackdown on the Falun Gong.156

Falun Gong practitioner Shu Shaolan dies after going on a hunger strike to protest her arrest. Chinese police sent the 50-year old woman to the hospital after she became weak and started vomiting, on October 5th, but she did not recover.163

China warns the United States that its decision to declare China a violator of religious freedom could put the two nations' relationship in jeopardy. China's official news agency reported, "Instead of being concerned about its many domestic issues, including religion, the U.S. government is keen on making slanderous accusations against China's religious affairs."164

Chinese People's Daily newspaper brands Falun Gong a cult announcing that the Communist Party "will not show the devil cult any mercy because any benevolence shown to such heretics will trample the human rights of other citizens."170

A small number of adherents are detained after a silent protest in Tiananmen Square.173

Xiao Yun, the head of the Cibeigong or 'Compassion' group was charged with embezzlement and having sexual relations with four women.174

The Information Center of Human Rights and Democratic Movement in China report that more than 500 Falun Gong members have been sentenced to labor camps. In response, the Chinese authorities announce that only 111 key Falun Gong supporters have been arrested on criminal charges.177

Zhang Ji, a student from northeastern China, is accused of "using the Internet to spread subversive information" and is expected to be jailed for up to five years.178

Four leaders of the China Democratic Party were found guilty of subversion and were sentenced to as much as 11 years in prison.179

Most of the 150 members who have been officially charged are being accused of violating the anti-cult law. Human rights groups state that about one thousand individuals have been sent to reeducation camps without trial and still others remain in short-term detention.185

 

Endnotes for Appendix A

(All cites compiled from Lexis-Nexis)

1 "Paper calls Falun Gong a "folk heresy" with cult characteristics." British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999.

2 "Falun Gong Not a Cult, Adherents Say; Millions of People Practice this Blend of Ancient Chinese Exercises and Mediation." The Columbus Dispatch. July 23, 1999.

3 "Li Hongzhi's mother's midwife says Li is a Swindler" Xinhua News Agency. July 28, 1999.

4 "Li Hongzhi's mother's midwife says Li is a Swindler" Xinhua News Agency. July 28, 1999.

5 "Paper calls Falun Gong a "folk heresy" with cult characteristics." British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999.

6 "Hong Kong paper profiles Falun Gong organization, founder" British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999.

7 "Hong Kong paper profiles Falun Gong organization, founder" British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999.

8 "Hong Kong paper profiles Falun Gong organization, founder" British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999.

9 "Hong Kong paper profiles Falun Gong organization, founder" British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999.

10 "Paper calls Falun Gong a "folk heresy" with cult characteristics." British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999.

11 Ramzy, Austin. "Those who practice quiet mediation share time with ducks; Meditative martial art has growing following. The Ethnic Newswatch, Northwest Asian Daily. May 8, 1998.

12 "China: Information Indicates Falun Gong Sect May Act Up Again" Central News Agency, Taipei. May 17, 1999.

13 Chu, Henry. "Sect's Extent Caught China Off Guard." Los Angeles Times. July 29, 1999.

14 "Paper calls Falun Gong a "folk heresy" with cult characteristics." British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999

15 Nelson, Brian. "Falun Gong Founder Questions China Banning Mediation Group" Interview with Li Hongzhi. Cable News Network. July 24, 1999.

16 "Hong Kong paper profiles Falun Gong organization, founder" British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999.

17 "China Bans Publications on Falun Gong." Xinhua News Agency. July 22, 1999.

18 Sampson, Catherine. "Cult Flourishes in China's Spiritual Vacuum" The Scotsman. November 18, 1998.

19 "Hong Kong paper profiles Falun Gong organization, founder" British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999.

20  Lathem, Niles. "Queens the Center of Cult Leader's Universe" The New York Post. July 25, 1999.

21 Pomfret, John and Laris, Michael. "Silent Protest Draws Thousands to Beijing; Followers of Martial Arts Master Li Hongzhi Stir Political Waters With Apolitical Agenda" The Washington Post. April 26, 1999.

22 "Paper calls Falun Gong a "folk heresy" with cult characteristics." British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999.

23 Eckholm, Erik. "China's Rulers on Guard as Spiritual Sect Pushes the Envelope." The New York Times. May 3, 1999.

24 Lathem, Niles. "Queens the Center of Cult Leader's Universe" The New York Post. July 25, 1999.

25 Becker, Jasper. "The icon who could vanish at will" South China Morning Post. May 2, 1999.

26 "Paper calls Falun Gong a "folk heresy" with cult characteristics." British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999.

27 McCarthy, Terry, and Turner, Mia. "Inside the Falun Gong; The Mediation Sect is Electrifying China - and Terrifying Beijing's Leaders." Time. August 9, 1999.

28 Van Biema, David, and FlorCruz, Jaime A. "The Man with the Qi" Time. May 10, 1999.

29 Spaeth, Anthony. "Master Li's Brave New Age." Time. May 10, 1999.

30 Tucker, Ernest. "Followers flock to see movement's founder" Chicago Sun-Times. June 27, 1999.

31 Kirsta, Alix. "This man claims to be teaching an ancient method of spiritual healing - so why has the Chinese government branded him public enemy number one and locked up thousands of his followers?" The Times (London). August 14, 1999.

32 Chu, Henry. "Sect's Extent Caught China Off Guard." Los Angeles Times. July 29, 1999.

33 Laris, Michael. "Chinese TV Twits a Popular Pastime." The Washington Post. July 13, 1998.

34 Fang, Bay. "Millions of Chinese embrace a mystical exercise movement" U.S. News and World Report. February 22, 1999.

35 "Backward in Beijing; Communists crack down on spiritual movement." The San Diego Union-Tribune. August 27, 1999.

36 "Truth of Falun Gong's Besieging of Chongqing Paper" Xinhua News Agency. August 6, 1999.

37 "Truth of Falun Gong's Besieging of Chongqing Paper" Xinhua News Agency. August 6, 1999.

38 Khun, Anthony, Farley, Maggie, and Chu, Henry. "Sect Stages Largest Protest in Beijing Since 1989" The Los Angeles Times. April 26, 1999.

39 "Text of article which sparked Falun Gong cult protest in Beijing" British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. May 24, 1999.

40 "Sect members deliver their demands to Beijing in huge petition." British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 27, 1999.

41 "Li Hongzhi's Role in Illegal Gathering at Zhongnanhai." Xinhua News Agency. August 12, 1999.

42 "Urgent Life and Times of Li Hongzhi." Xinhua News Agency. July 22, 1999.

43 "China: True Face of Falun Gong's Founder Li Hongzhi Exposed" Xinhua News Agency. Reported by British Broadcasting Corporation. July 22, 1999; "Li Hongzhi's Role in Illegal Gathering at Zhongnanhai." Xinhua News Agency. August 12, 1999.

44 Flatin, Paul. "Falun Gong leader shocked, outraged by Beijing's ban" Kyodo News Service. July 22, 1999.

45 Cheung, Priscilla. "China Sect Stages Hong Kong Protest" Associated Press. July 23, 1999.

46 "Meditative Demonstration; Protest Surprises Beijing" News & Record (Greensboro, NC). Knight Rider News Service. April 26, 1999.

47 "China Cabinet says cult protest resolved through persuasion" Deutsche Presse-Agentur. April 26, 1999.

48 Pappas, Leslie. "The Power of the 'Force'" Newsweek. May 10, 1999.

49 "Urgent Life and Times of Li Hongzhi." Xinhua News Agency. July 22, 1999.

50 "Hong Kong paper says President Jiang Zemin bans sit-in demonstrations" British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 29, 1999.

51 "Hong Kong paper says President Jiang Zemin bans sit-in demonstrations" British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 29, 1999.

52 Schoof, Rene. "AP Photos BEJ105-110" Associated Press. AP Worldstream. April 25, 1999.

53 "Hong Kong paper says President Jiang Zemin bans sit-in demonstrations" British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. April 29, 1999.

54 O'Clery, Conor. "Demonstration by Falun Gong alarms Beijing." The Irish Times. May 1, 1999.

55 Khun, Anthony, Farley, Maggie, and Chu, Henry. "Sect Stages Largest Protest in Beijing Since 1989" The Los Angeles Times. April 26, 1999.

56 Poole, Teresa. "China Caught Off Guard by Cult's Protest" The Independent (London). April 26, 1999.

57 Fackler, Martin. "Ending two-day silence, China says officials met with protesters." Associated Press. April 27, 1999.

58 "US-based leader of Chinese group didn't organize rallies." Agence France Press. April 27, 1999.

59 Pollock, Simon. "Chinese government warns cult not to repeat protest." Kyodo News Service. Japanese Economic Newswire. April 28, 1999.

60 "Hong Kong paper reports Falun Gong sect to stage more demonstrations." British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. May 4, 1999.

61 Eckholm, Erik. "China Takes Steps to Avoid Further Protests." The New York Times. May 1, 1999.

62 "Hong Kong paper reports Falun Gong sect to stage more demonstrations." British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. May 4, 1999.

63 Lo, Alex. "Sect marches on Ming Pao." South China Morning Post. May 6, 1999.

64 Faison, Seth. "Ex-General, Member of Banned Sect, Confesses 'Mistakes,' China Says." New York Times. July 31, 1999.

65 Hutzler, Charles. "China Sees Threat in Secret Sect." Associated Press. May 7, 1999.

66 Faison, Seth. "Ex-General, member of Banned Sect, Confesses 'Mistakes,' China Says." New York Times. July 31, 1999.

67 Pomfretand, John. Laris, Michael. "Crackdown on sect spreads; Popularity with Chinese Communist Party" The Austin American-Statesman. July 25, 1999.

68 Eckholm, Erik. "China Aide Meets with Sect to Dismiss Crackdown Rumors" The New York Times. June 15, 1999.

69 "Police break up Falun Gong gathering of 70,000 in Beijing" British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. June 8, 1999.

70 Pomfretand, John. Laris, Michael. "Crackdown on sect spreads; Popularity with Chinese Communist Party" The Austin American-Statesman. July 25, 1999.

71 Pfaff, William. "When Change is Unbearable" International Herald Tribune. June 15, 1999.

72 "World" Christian Science Monitor. June 10, 1999.

73 "Official on rumors concerning Falun Gong practitioners" Xinhua News Agency. June 14, 1999; Eckholm, Erik. "China Aide Meets with Sect to Dismiss Crackdown Rumors" The New York Times. June 15, 1999.

74 Pomfretand, John. Laris, Michael. "Crackdown on sect spreads; Popularity with Chinese Communist Party" The Austin American-Statesman. July 25, 1999.

75 Flatin, Paul. "Chinese spiritual leader cautions Beijing on crackdown" Kyodo News Service. Japan Economic Newswire. June 16, 1999.

76 "Mediation group appeals to Chinese leaders over persecution" Associated Press. June 25, 1999.

77 "Beijing restricting Falun Gong sect activities - Hong Kong press" British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. July 17, 1999.

78 "Report: China Buddhist Protest Held." Associated Press. July 10, 1999; Faison, Seth. "Secretive Chinese Spiritual Group Holds Protest and Wins a Retraction from Beijing." New York Times. July 11, 1999.

79 "Falun Gong sect members protest against TV program" Sing Tao Jih Pao (Hong Kong) July 15, 1999, British Broadcasting Corporation. July 17, 1999.

80 "Report: Thousands of followers protest attacks on sect." Associated Press. July 18, 1999.

81 Lander, Mark. "China Said to Prepare Ban on Sect; Protests Go On." The New York Times. July 22, 1999.

82 "Hong Kong Paper Reports on Falun Gong Ban" British Broadcasting Corporation, quoting "Sing Tao Jih Pao, Hong Kong, in Chinese. July 22, 1999.

83 "Report: China detains 70 in crackdown on mediation sect." Associated Press. July 20, 1999.

84 "Scores Detained in Beijing," Associated Press. July 21, 1999.

85 Leicester, John. "Sect Protests Reported Across China." Associated Press. July 21, 1999.

86 "Police break up Falun Gong sect demonstrations in China." Deutsche Presse-Agentur. July 21, 1999.

87 "Police break up Falun Gong sect demonstrations in China." Deutsche Presse-Agentur. July 21, 1999.

88 Wiseman, Paul. "China, feeling threatened, outlaws religious sect" USA Today. July 23, 1999.

89 "Police break up Falun Gong sect demonstrations in China." Deutsche Presse-Agentur. July 21, 1999.

90 "China bans Falun Gong sect as "an illegal organization" Agence France Presse. July 22, 1999.

91 Lander, Mark. "China Said to Prepare Ban on Sect; Protests Go On." The New York Times. July 22, 1999.

92 McDonald, Joe. "China Bans Mediation Group." Associated Press. July 22, 1999.

93 Leicester, John. "Protests Begin Again in China" Associated Press. July 22, 1999.

94 Leicester, John. "Protests Begin Again in China" Associated Press. July 22, 1999.

95 Leicester, John. "Protests Begin Again in China" Associated Press. July 22, 1999.

96 "U.S. Disturbed by China's Decision." Associated Press. July 22, 1999.

97 "Hong Kong not to follow China's ban on Falun Gong" Kyodo News Service. July 22, 1999.

98 "Government, Falun Gong followers in Internet battle." British Broadcasting Corporation, quoting Sing Tao Jih Pao, Hong Kong, in Chinese. July 29, 1999.

99 McDonald, Joe. "Small Protests Defy China Ban" Associated Press. July 23, 1999.

100 "China: Communist Youth League Members Forbidden to Practice Falun Gong" Xinhua News Agency. British Broadcasting Corporation. July 23, 1999.

101 Chu, Henry; Kuhn, Anthony. "Sect's Outlawing Shows Beijing's Fear of Protest" Los Angeles Times. July 23, 1999.

102 Murphy, Caryle. "Chinese Crackdown Protested; Falun Gong Backers Say Movement Shouldn't Be Banned." The Washington Post. July 23, 1999.

103 Kurtenbach, Elaine. "More Members of China Sect Detained" Associated Press. July 24, 1999.

104 Kurtenbach, Elaine. "China Crackdown vs. Sect Continues" Associated Press. July 24, 1999.

105 "U.S. conveys concerns over Falun Gong group" Kyodo News Service. July 25, 1999.

106 "Sect Members Detained in Schools" Associated Press. July 26, 1999.

107 Chang, S.C. "Canada Condemns Beijing Crackdown on Sect" Central News Agency. July 26, 1999.

108 "Sect Could Face Subversion Charges" Hong Kong Standard. July 26, 1999.

109 "Sect Could Face Subversion Charges" Hong Kong Standard. July 26, 1999.

110 August, Oliver. "Chinese wage Internet war on banned cult" The Times (London). July 28, 1999.

111 Manthorpe, Jonathan. "Politics, religion and the party; Chinese leaders fear Falun Gong has unleashed a traditional spiritual force that threatens the Communist regime" The Vancouver Sun. July 28, 1999.

112 Pomfret, John. "Sect's Pull on Communists At Heart of Beijing's Fears; Falun Gong Fills Breach Left By Party" The Washington Post. July 28, 1999.

113 "Beijing destroys 300,000 confiscated publications" Xinhua News Agency. July 28, 1999.

114 "China confiscates 1.55 million Falun Gong publications. Xinhua News Agency. July 28, 1999.

115 "Shanghai, China: political ambitions" Associated Press. July 29, 1999.

116 "China urges arrest of Falun Gong founder, issues 'Wanted' poster" Agence France Presse. July 29, 1999.

117 "China asks Interpol for Cooperation on Falun Gong Leader's Arrest" British Broadcasting Corporation, quoting Xinhua News Agency. July 29, 1999.

118 Rosenberg, Eric. "Falun Gong Leader Won't be Returned, U.S. Tells China." Seattle Post-Intelligencer. July 30, 1999.

119 Bolande, H. Asher. "Chinese Authorities Step Up Mass Destruction of Sect Books." Agence France Press. July 29, 1999.

120 Melvin, Don. "Falun Gong followers alarmed." The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. July 29, 1999.

121 "China destroys over two million confiscated Falun Gong publications." Xinhua News Agency. July 29, 1999.

122 Faison, Seth. "Followers of Chinese Sect Defend Its Spiritual Goals." The New York Times. July 30, 1999.

123 "China orders arrest of sect leader; Beijing will seek international help to bring the U.S.-based leader of Falun Gong into custody." The Vancouver Sun. July 30, 1999.

124 Faison, Seth. "Ex-General, member of Banned Sect, Confesses 'Mistakes,' China Says." New York Times. July 31, 1999.

125 "China Offers Cash for Sect Leader." Associated Press. August 3, 1999.

126 "Thailand to Cooperate in Arresting Falun Gong Chief." Kyodo News International. August 9, 1999.

127 August, Oliver. "China Declares Victory over Falun Gong Saying Followers 'Have Come to Their Senses': An Observer Says Beijing Had to Accommodate Police and Troops Who Joined the Movement." The Vancouver Sun. August 9, 1999.

128 "China Investigating Huge Mediation Group, Xiang Gong." Associated Press. August 14, 1999.

129 Hickman, Martin. "Home News" Press Association Newsfile. August 17, 1999.

130 "Closure of Falun Gong web site with 'illegal materials' reported." BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, quoting Xinhua News Agency. August 18, 1999.

131 "Australians, Chinese discuss ban on Falun Gong, other rights issues." Associated Press. August 18, 1999.

132 Bezlova, Antoaneta. "Politics-China: Propaganda Season in Full Swing." Inter Press Service. August 25, 1999.

133 Faison, Seth. "China to prosecute leaders of Falun Gong; Government to charge them." Austin American-Statesman. August 25, 1999.

134 Byrne, Karen. "US condemns Falun Gong crackdown." United Press International. August 25, 1999.

135 "China's Jiang raises Falun Gong issue in Thailand." Kyodo News Service. September 3, 1999.

136 Khaikaew, Thaksina. "Thailand thanks Chinese leader of yuan; won't arrest Falun Gong." Associated Press. September 3, 1999.

137 Urakami, Keiji. "China continues to control religion, says U.S. report." Kyodo News Service. September 9, 1999.

138 "China: U.S. State Department Report on Religion Groundless." British Broadcasting Corporation, quoting Xinhua News Agency. September 9, 1999.

139 McDonald, Joe. "China Denies U.S. Report of Worshippers Jailed." Associated Press. September 9, 1999.

140 McDonald, Joe. "China Denies U.S. Report of Worshippers Jailed." Associated Press. September 9, 1999.

141 "Protesters flock to APEC summit." Kyodo News Service. September 11, 1999.

142 Chan, Vivien Pik-kwan, and Porter, Barry. "Sino-U.S. ties 'back on track.'" South China Morning Post. September 12, 1999.

143 "Jiang gives Clinton Book on Banned Mediation Group." Associated Press. September 12, 1999.

144 Chan, Vivien Pik-kwan, and Porter, Barry. "Sino-U.S. ties 'back on track.'" South China Morning Post. September 12, 1999.

145 Gedda, George. "Envoy attacks U.S. official's comments on rights." Associated Press. September 14, 1999.

146 "Order to close 20,000 publications, paper says." British Broadcasting Corporation 24 September 1999, quoting 'Sing Tao Jih Pao', Hong Kong, in Chinese 15 September 1999.

147 "China arrests more members of mediation group." Associated Press. September 19, 1999.

148 "Xinhua Article on Continued Fighting Against Falun Gong." Xinhua News Agency. September 18, 1999.

149 "New Party Paper to Aid Marxism Study Launched." British Broadcasting Corporation 24 September 1999, quoting Xinhua News Agency, 18 September 1999.

150 "More Falun Gong Practitioners Detained in China." Central News Agency. September 19, 1999.

151 "China arrests more members of mediation group." Associated Press. September 19, 1999.

152 "China arrests more members of mediation group." Associated Press. September 19, 1999.

153 "Guangzhou police arrest 20 followers of Falun Gong sect." British Broadcasting Corporation. September 23, 1999.

154 "Report: China to prosecute publishers of banned sect's materials." Associated Press. September 23, 1999.

155 "Beijing Bans Qi Gong in Public Areas." South China Morning Post. September 24, 1999.

156 Perrotta, Kate. "China Hard-liner Rising Toward Top" The New York Post. September 24, 1999.

157 "Open Letter to the President of the People's Republic of China." M2 Presswire. September 28, 1999.

158 "Not a Great Place to Meditate," The Desert News. September 29, 1999.

159 "Clampdown Blankets Beijing," Calgary Herald. September 30, 1999.

160 "Five Falun Gong Followers Sentenced," Agence France Presse. October 21, 1999.

161 "Buddhist Sect Appeals to the U.N. to Stop Chinese Crackdown," Deutsche Presse-Agentur. October 6, 1999.

162 Li, John. "Chinese Woman Beaten to Death in Police Custody for Falun Gong Beliefs," Agence France Presse. October 8, 1999.

163 "People's Republic of China Reports of Torture and Ill-Treatment of Followers of the Falun Gong," Amnesty International. October 22, 1999.

164 "China Warns U.S. Against Criticism Over Religion," Japan Economic Newswire. October 7, 1999.

165 "Faithful Falun Gong Member Pays Price for Belief," Agence France Presse. October 8, 1999.

166 "Six Key Members of Falun Gong Arrested," Associated Press. October 12, 1999.

167 "Five Falun Gong Followers Sentenced," Agence France Presse. October 21, 1999.

168 Eckholm, Erik. "Beijing Quickly Detains Sect's Protesters," The New York Times. October 26, 1999.

169 Eckholm, Erik. "Falun Gong Members Meet with Foreign Journalists," The New York Times. October 29, 1999.

170 Hutzler, Charles. "Falun Gong Vows to Persevere," The Associated Press. October 28, 1999.

171 Page, Jeremy. "China Parliament Outlaws Cults but Protests Endure," Reuters. October 30, 1999.

172 Schoof, Renee. "Falun Gong Leaders Now Facing Trial for 'Organizing a Cult'," The Washington Times. November 1, 1999.

173 Rosenthal, Elisabeth. "China Charges Four Sect Leaders Under New Law," The New York Times (1 November 1999).

174 "Chinese Crackdown Broadens to Other Cults Besides Falun Gong," www.virtualchina.com. November 3, 1999.

175 "China Seizes Document From Five Western Reporters," The New York Times. November 4, 1999.

176 "Spokeswoman on Asylum for Falun Gong Practitioner," Xinhua News Agency. November 8, 1999.

177 "China Announces the Arrests of 111 Falun Gong Followers," Deutsche Presse-Agentur. November 8, 1999.

178 O'Donnell, Lynne. "Chin a Seizes Cultist Who Uses Net," The Times. November 9, 1999.

179 Eckholm, Erik. "China Sentences Four Leaders of Banned Party," New York Times. November 10, 1999.

180 Schoof, Renee. "China Sentences Falun Gong Members," Associated Press. November 12, 1999.

181 Lim, Benjamin Kang. "Bold Falun Gong Protest as Annan Visits China," Reuters. November 16, 1999.

182 Dolinsky, Lewis. "Falun Gong Adherent Gets Asylum in San Francisco," The San Francisco Chronicle. November 17, 1999.

183 "China Puts Falun Gong Members in Work Camp," Reuters. November 19, 1999.

184 Pomfret, John. "China Detained 35,000 Sect Members," The Washington Post. November 29, 1999.

185 Rosenthal, Elisabeth. "Few Members of Large Sect To Face Trial, Beijing Says," The New York Times. December 2, 1999.

186 "More Falun Gong Members Detained," The Washington Post. December 5, 1999.