Statement by the Falun Dafa Association of Australia
Re: Chinese Consulates’ public attack on Shen Yun Performing Arts and Falun Dafa practitioners
8 January 2026
The Falun Dafa Association of Australia expresses serious concern regarding the statement published by the Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney on 2 January and by the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne on 6 January 2026, which contains inflammatory and defamatory language targeting Shen Yun Performing Arts and Falun Dafa practitioners in Australia.
This statement, republished across multiple Chinese media channels, represents a clear example of transnational repression – the practice of foreign governments reaching beyond their borders to silence, intimidate, or discredit diaspora communities and dissidents. The Chinese government’s decades-long persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China is well-documented by international human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. The consulate’s statement extends this campaign into Australia.
Our concerns
Undermining social cohesion: The consulate’s characterisation of the Falun Dafa spiritual practice as a “notorious … cult” and its description of a professional performing arts company as a “political tool” constitute inflammatory rhetoric that undermines the harmony of Australia’s multicultural society. Such language has historically been used to justify discrimination and persecution against Falun Gong.
Threatening public safety: The Falun Dafa Information Center has documented bomb threats and mass killing threats against Shen Yun performances and other Falun Gong events around the world (including to more than 40 theatres during Shen Yun’s 2025 tour). Security experts and law enforcement have linked these to Chinese government influence operations. The consulate’s statement, which actively discourages Australians from attending performances, contributes to an environment where such threats may be emboldened during the upcoming Shen Yun 2026 Australian tour.
Interference with freedom of expression: By publicly campaigning against a lawful cultural performance in Australia and attempting to dissuade Australians from attending, the consulate is interfering with fundamental freedoms protected under Australian laws, including freedom of belief, expression, and association.
Attacking Australian values
The consulate’s attempt to dictate what constitutes “authentic traditional Chinese culture” and to delegitimise cultural expression that differs from the Chinese Communist Party’s approved narrative shows disrespect for Australia’s multicultural framework, which recognises that cultural communities are diverse and cannot be defined by any single government.
The facts
Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) is a traditional Chinese spiritual practice combining meditation, gentle exercises, and moral teachings based on truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. It is practiced freely by millions worldwide, including in Australia.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is a professional performing arts company based in New York that presents classical Chinese dance and music. Since its inception, Shen Yun has performed to millions of audience members globally, receiving extensive positive reviews from patrons, critics, and public officials.
The Chinese government banned Falun Dafa in 1999 and has subjected practitioners to imprisonment, torture, and extra-judicial killing, as documented by the US State Department, the European Parliament, and numerous international human rights organisations.
A pattern of transnational repression
This statement is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic pattern:
• Chinese diplomatic missions worldwide have published similar attacks against Shen Yun and Falun Dafa practitioners (see Shen Yun – The Show Beijing Doesn’t Want You to See)
• Security agencies in multiple countries have documented Chinese government interference targeting these communities
• The Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation have publicly warned about the serious threat of foreign interference activities in Australia, noting that some foreign governments seek to monitor, intimidate, and control diaspora communities
Our position
The Falun Dafa Association of Australia:
• Affirms the right of all Australians to practice their beliefs freely, express themselves artistically, and attend lawful cultural performances and public events without foreign government intimidation.
• Calls on Australian authorities to recognise the Chinese Consulate’s statement as transnational repression and to take appropriate measures to protect affected communities.
• Urges the Australian Government to clearly communicate to foreign diplomatic missions that attempts to silence, defame, or intimidate Australian residents and the Australian public will not be tolerated.
• Invites all Australians to judge Shen Yun for themselves, without intimidation from the Chinese Consulates and Embassy.
• Requests that Australian media, cultural institutions, and community leaders recognise and report on transnational repression when they encounter it. Australia’s strength lies in its respect for diversity, rule of law, and protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights. When foreign governments attempt to export their persecution campaigns and undermine these principles, it affects not only the targeted communities but the very fabric of Australian democracy.
We trust that the Australian Government and public will stand firm in protecting the rights and freedoms that define our nation.
Falun Dafa Association of Australia
Post: P. O. Box K58, Haymarket NSW 1240
