C.9 A Swiss Falun Gong Practitioner's Letter to President Jiang

H.E. President Jiang Zemin

Government Headquarters

Zhongnanhai

Beijing

People's Republic of China

July 28, 1999

Your Excellency,

I write as a representative of the Western world and beg your indulgence to allow me to express a view which is undoubtedly shared by practitioners of Falun Gong worldwide.

We have felt a deep respect for, and appreciation of, the cultural tradition of China which can offer something of great value not only to Chinese nationals but to people everywhere.

We have felt what a wonderful cultural ambassador for China Falun Gong is becoming in the world and what a serene and peaceful force for good it offers, entirely without interest in religious, political and money-making activities. It is indeed helping people to become morally and physically better people, who will never interfere in politics and will always uphold the laws of their country.

We have a very great respect for all Chinese practitioners of Falun Gong in the West. Never have we heard a word spoken against the Chinese Government. What we always have heard is the most positive expressions of support for their country and people.

Your Excellency, if you will allow it, people from around the world will be drawn to China as visitors and as practitioners of the beautiful movement of Falun Gong. How great is our sadness and disappointment to be unable to visit China this summer, due to the misunderstandings and, perhaps, lack of dialogue between the Government and practitioners of Falun Gong.

As Western practitioners, we are deeply thankful for the cultural heritage of China and for what we have received, as a way of life, to guide our lives from now onwards. Falun Gong is non-sectarian. It demands no membership, no promises, and no money from us; it leaves us entirely free to follow our inner voice and this leads in turn to the highest and most noble form of behavior. For this gift we shall always be grateful.

Your Excellency, I trust you will accept, on behalf of the Western world, a very sincere greeting and a wish that we may be welcome to visit your country soon, not only as tourists but to celebrate the liberation of Falun Gong.

Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

LiL