Closer checks on qi gong groups

Monday, May 15, 2000 Most qi gong organisations have been told to set up Communist Party cells to enable the authorities to exercise tighter supervision over the potentially "subversive" groups. This is one of a number of measures by party and government authorities to control qi gong outfits through a "licensing" system.

New regulations require a Communist Party cell to be set up within any qi gong group that boasts three or more party members. This cell, which will report to party authorities, will supposedly keep an eye on the "political activities" of the qi gong group.

Senior officials, including retirees, have also been targeted. The regulations ban senior cadres and officials at all levels from taking up leading positions in qi gong groups.

Party and Communist Youth League members, and civil servants are prohibited from joining associations deemed to have "dangerous social effects". Those who have joined will be asked to leave or risk punishment.

The rules require all qi gong organisations to register their management and business operations. All applications will have to be approved by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The Ministry of Health will oversee organisations that claim to cure illnesses through breathing exercises and the Administration of Sports will supervise body-building groups.

Qi gong branches are not allowed to set up businesses, schools or training centres under the new rules. Overseas qi gong groups are prohibited from setting up offices or branches on the mainland.

The control extends to the production of qi gong printed, audio and visual products. The rules require that all items must be published by an officially recognised firm. Parties involved in publishing, printing and distribution of materials found to promote superstition will be liable to punishment.

The regulations are aimed at cleaning up irregularities of qi gong practice on the mainland.

Between 1991 and 1996, 1,761 qi gong groups were registered with the Ministry of Civil Affairs, in addition to seven nation-wide organisations. The number of qi gong schools reached 1,032. However, it is believed many were not registered.

Analysts said authorities had taken a tougher stance on qi gong groups after the decision to ban the Falun Gong sect, deemed a grave threat to social order.

http://www.scmp.com/News/China/Article/FullText_asp_ArticleID-20000515032623828.asp