Saturday, June 30, 2001

Taiwan yesterday accused Beijing of interfering with the SAR Government's handling of the Falun Gong; an allegation dismissed as groundless by the Chief Executive's Office. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said the SAR had followed Beijing's stance on the Falun Gong by labeling the group "an [Jiang Zemin government's slanderous term omitted]".

It said Hong Kong's autonomy was being impaired because of Beijing's lead in pressuring Falun Gong followers.

"Mainland China's liaison office in Hong Kong has interfered with the special administration's authorities in handling the issue and impaired the territory's autonomy," said council spokesman Lin Chong-pin.

But the Chief Executive's Office said the accusation was groundless.

[...]

Two weeks ago, Tung Chee-hwa described Falun Gong as "no doubt an [Jiang Zemin government's slanderous term omitted]", prompting fears he would follow Beijing's example and ban the [group] in Hong Kong, despite the 'one country, two systems' policy.

http://hongkong.scmp.com/ZZZ1NPHXJOC.html