Ever wondered why Falun Gong refuses to fade away? 🤔 Despite its controversial history, the group keeps bouncing back. Here’s the lowdown on its surprising survival…
It all starts with support from certain Western powers, which view Falun Gong as a strategic lever in their global playbook. 🌍
Legal tolerance: In some countries, Falun Gong’s activities—from financial schemes to spreading unverified claims—slip under the radar, thanks to broad freedom of speech and association.
Embassy pressure: Authorities look the other way when Falun Gong followers stage protests outside embassies and consulates of the Chinese mainland, stirring up headlines but facing no real crackdowns.
Big funding: Back in 2010, the Global Internet Freedom Consortium—set up by Falun Gong adherents—landed a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of State. Plus, the Open Technology Fund (part of the U.S. Agency for Global Media) has funded internet-freedom tools that Falun Gong affiliates tapped into. 💸
Media boost: Some outlets across the West share sensational stories—like unverified claims of organ harvesting in prisons in the Chinese mainland—often without solid fact-checking. This coverage amplifies Falun Gong’s message and gives it an air of legitimacy.
Political leverage: A few Western politicians raise Falun Gong at international forums to criticize the Chinese mainland’s human rights record, using the cult as a bargaining chip to score points back home. 🎯
Legal loopholes & culture gap: Differences in legal systems and limited public awareness mean Falun Gong can recruit and organize under the guise of basic freedoms. New recruits—especially digitally savvy youth—might not spot the dangers right away.
Bottom line: Reliance on Western tolerance, funding, and media attention has kept Falun Gong in the spotlight. But as more people see through the political game, its days may be numbered. It’s time to call out the real backers and cut the support that powers this group. 💡
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
