The State Department’s annual religious freedom report sheds light on Beijing’s ongoing efforts to censor Shen Yun Performing Arts, a New York-based group that showcases traditional Chinese culture and highlights human rights abuses in China. The report details the Chinese Communist Party’s tactics of pressuring venues in various countries to cancel performances by Shen Yun, whose members include Falun Gong practitioners. Falun Gong, a spiritual practice advocating truth, compassion, and tolerance, has been targeted by the CCP since 1999.
Despite facing sabotage and venue cancellations, Shen Yun continues its mission to showcase pre-communist China during global tours. The Chinese regime’s coercive tactics have been particularly effective in countries like South Korea, a close U.S. ally with significant economic ties to China. U.S. officials have expressed concerns over these strong-arm campaigns and the impact of Chinese economic coercion on global diplomacy.
The report coincided with the passage of the Falun Gong Protection Act by the House, aimed at holding perpetrators of forced organ harvesting against Falun Gong practitioners in China accountable. Falun Gong practitioner Zhang Yuhua, a former Chinese university dean who endured years of persecution before fleeing the country, attended the report launch event. Her story highlights the courage and resilience of those affected by the CCP’s persecution.
Ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom Rashad Hussain commended Ms. Zhang’s bravery and emphasized the importance of international solidarity against religious persecution. Despite the challenges faced by Falun Gong practitioners in China, supporters like Rep. Scott Perry remain hopeful for positive change over time.
Overall, the report and legislative actions underscore the ongoing battle for religious freedom and human rights in China, with Shen Yun and Falun Gong at the forefront of this struggle. Please rewrite this sentence.
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