January 23, 2001

Calgary West MP Rob Anders is backing a Calgarian's claims that the Chinese government is tapping his telephone and spying on him because of his support for a movement known as Falun Gong.

Anders, a Canadian Alliance politician, says he believes Kai Liu's claims that the local Chinese Consulate is gathering information on him.

"We can't be na ve about this. There are governments out there that are actively engaging in this behavior.

"This is serious stuff. His is not the first case and his is not an isolated case....I do believe the Chinese Consulate in Calgary is actively engaging in information gathering", said Anders, adding he's heard a dozen other similar stories from local Chinese Canadians.

Liu heads the local chapter of Falun Dafa or Falun Gong, a meditative practice outlawed by the Chinese government.

A vocal opponent of the Chinese government's alleged abuses of Falun Gong practitioners in China, Liu believes he has been targeted by local officials, who he says have thwarted his attempts to start a business in Calgary.

"They think I'm an important guy so they list my name on the black-list -- they do what they can to destroy my life, my career, to get to my family."

Officials from Consulate General for the PRC in Calgary could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Liu has contacted the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to investigate his claims.

A spokesman for CSIS would neither confirm nor deny that an investigation into Liu's claims is under way.

"What I can tell you is that we maintain a vigorous counter-intelligence program," said CSIS spokesman Dan Lambert from his Ottawa office.

While on a trip to Vancouver to pursue a career opportunity in the import/export business, Liu said his associate was threatened by a stranger who said Liu was on the "black-list" or "code red" to the Chinese Spy Agency and not to employ Liu, "or else."

Liu had not told anyone about his trip other than his associate and his wife and cannot account for the threats.

"How else could they have known? We didn't tell anyone ?the only thing that makes sense is that our phone has been tapped," said Liu.

Liu introduced the meditative and rhythmic stretching practice to Calgary when he moved here in May1999.

Similar to the art of Tai Chi, Falun Dafa aims at improving health and fitness and developing truthfulness, benevolence and forbearance.

The Chinese government banned the practice in July1999 and has imprisoned 50,000 followers and killed 131 practitioners, according to Liu.

Despite his believed persecution, Liu said he will not stop speaking out or practicing Falun Gong.

"I believe what I'm doing. I'll keep doing what I'm doing ?no regrets. I'll keep talking, letting people know what the Chinese government has done."

Anders criticized the federal government for providing financial support to the Chinese government to the tune of $300 million each year while they continue to engage in pressure tactics against citizens at home and abroad.