January 15, 2004

By Hu Ping, HRIC

download The Falun Gong Phenomenon (PDF)

[Introduction]

1) The significance and the origins of Falun Gong

The Falun Gong phenomenon has undeniably been one of China’s most important developments in the transition to the new century. Falun Gong currently represents a serious challenge to the Chinese Communist government, even though Falun Gong did not set out with any such intention. Some people have gone so far as to declare that Falun Gong will be the Chinese government’s Waterloo, or if not, its Moscow.

Jiang Zemin once said, “I don’t believe Falun Gong cannot be controlled.” It appears that before Jiang ordered the suppression of the Falun Gong in 1999, more clear-sighted people around him had advised against it. There was a tacit acknowledgement that mowing the grass would not destroy the roots, and many officials were content to turn a blind eye to activities that didn’t take place right under their noses. But some Falun Gong practitioners insisted on continuing their public activities, spurring the authorities to take action. Jiang Zemin himself may have sensed that he had blundered into a trap, and that having climbed onto the tiger’s back, he would find it difficult to dismount. Many people who had initially disregarded Falun Gong were amazed at how events transpired. Regardless of the value judgement applied to Falun Gong, I believe it is important for us to gain a full understanding of the group, not only from the political angle, and perhaps not even primarily from the political angle.