BEIJING'S LIASON OFFICE in Hong Kong released a statement at the end of last month condemning Falun Gong's (
Not only did many Hong Kong government officials feel the need to react, but many politicians used the opportunity to publicize their stance. The issue was even debated in religious circles. It has clearly demonstrated Beijing's ability to interfere in Hong Kong's internal affairs.
Hong Kong's "Basic Law" is widely parroted by Hong Kong officials. Actually, the law clearly stipulates that the Beijing government controls only the foreign affairs and national security matters of the special administrative region. But what matter can possibly escape Beijing's grip these days? It is even questionable whether Falun Gong can remain active in Hong Kong.
Judging from the Hong Kong government's attitude, government officials can be divided into two groups. On the one hand, there is the "dovish" faction, including Chief Secretary of Administration Anson Chan (陳方安生), who has tendered her resignation, and Secretary of Home Affairs W. K. Lam (林煥光). The doves emphasize the importance of acting in accordance with the laws and with freedom of expression. On the other hand, Regina Ip (葉劉淑儀), who was promoted as Secretary for Security following Hong Kong's 1997 handover, has complained that Falun Gong's high-profile activities have disturbed Hong Kong citizens. Ip said that the government would "keep a close eye on [the Falun Gong]." Chan is expected to leave office in April. Allegedly Chan's resignation is related to the leasing of City Hall to Falun Gong practitioners with her consent. Inevitably, the doves will see their influence wane.
Advocates of democracy in Hong Kong felt uneasy about Ip's "high-profile" statement and worried that it might be the prelude to a crackdown. Meanwhile, pro-communist politicians and businessmen defended China, saying Falun Gong's activities in Hong Kong have "embarrassed" Beijing.
The radicals even asked the Hong Kong government to ban Falun Gong immediately. A guard in Wong Tai Sin (
The distribution of advertisement leaflets and flyers takes place on almost every street corner in Hong Kong. With the exception of those involving Falun Gong such activities do not create "disturbances."
Key to this differential treatment is clearly the government's anti-Falun Gong stance. Hong Kong Falun Gong spokesman Jian Hongzhang (簡鴻章) said Falun Gong's membership in Hong Kong has dropped from 1,000 to around 500 under China's suppression. Even though the tens of thousands of participants in the annual Tiananmen Square Incident commemoration have not been able to topple the PRC regime, Beijing nevertheless has been eager to crackdown on those 500 Falun Gong members who merely exercise peacefully, most of whom are women. Is it because China has lost confidence after perpetrating so much evil?
Amid the ongoing controversy, Hong Kong chief executive Tung Chee-hwa (
As the chief executive of a special administrative region, he entered a verdict against the organization on the basis of a single scene broadcast by Beijing's mouthpiece on TV. His carelessness and irresponsibility was evident. Hong Kong's Democratic Party chairman Martin Lee (李柱銘) immediately criticized Tung for seeing things through Beijing's "colored glasses." Jian called Tung's statement dangerous and a breach of duty because it was likely to fan the flames of animosity against Falun Gong.
Some legal experts pointed out that the law does not define what constitutes an "evil cult." Existing Hong Kong laws are sufficient to deal with people who harm themselves or defraud others.
Even in religious circles, disparate opinions have emerged over whether Falun Gong is an "evil cult." In general, Christians are more open-minded -- influenced partly by Western values and partly by the PRC's suppression of their underground churches in China. They are well aware of the tactics that China uses to deprive people of religious freedom and divide religious groups.
By contrast, Buddhists and Taoists are more ambivalent over the issue. One cleric commented that Falun Gong was "not a legitimate religious sect." They may feel "intruded upon" by Falun Gong because the latter also preaches some Buddhist and Taoist doctrines.
If they were to look back in history, however, their attitude might be different. During the European religious reforms in the Middle Ages, Catholicism and Protestantism represented related but distinct Christian sects. Also, Marxism-Leninism was later divided into Revisionism and Maoism, which went on to split and reunite repeatedly.
The Buddhists and Taoists also accused Falun Gong of holding political activities and opposing the government. The allegation is biased. First, some Hong Kong religious leaders accepted "official appointments" from Beijing long before 1997, thereby stepping into politics before Falun Gong did.
Second, whether a religion is against the government depends on whether the government interferes with religious faith. Won't the followers of a religion be betraying their own faith if they bow to interference? For example, we should oppose the "patriotic churches" under the Beijing government because they are led by people who support the communist party and hold government administrative posts and receive government salaries. These are distorted religions and therefore more likely to be "evil cults."
Beijing's intensified interference will force its people to comply with its heavy-handed behavior.
Paul Lin is a political commentator based in New York.
Translated by Jackie Lin and Francis Huang
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