China’s foreign ministry has responded to reports that the prime minister’s evacuation from The Lodge was prompted by Mandarin-language bomb threats aimed at a dissident dance troupe.
Beijing’s foreign minister spokeswoman, Mao Ning, in response to questions from the ABC, said China opposed “all forms of violent attacks”.
She went on to attack the Shun Yen dance troupe, which is linked to the Falun Gong religious movement, saying that “the so-called ‘Shen Yun’ performance is not a normal cultural activity at all, but a political tool used by the Falun Gong organisation to spread cult information and amass wealth”.
The Shen Yun Group received threatening emails about a scheduled performance.YouTube
“In recent years, the so-called ‘Shen Yun’ performing arts troupe’s systematic abuse, illegal employment, and mind control of its staff have been repeatedly exposed. We hope that all sectors will remain vigilant.”
The dance troupe, operated by the persecuted religious movement, is currently touring Australia.
The threats reported in The Epoch Times, also linked to Falun Gong and independently verified by this masthead, said The Lodge would be blown up unless the performances were cancelled. The Australian Federal Police is investigating.
You can read more about the troupe here.