2001-07-24 19:14 (New York)

WASHINGTON, July 24 (AFP) - Chinese Ambassador Yang Jiechi was confronted by protesters Tuesday as he delivered a speech on US-China relations.

A well-dressed young man tried to ask a question in Chinese as the ambassador was making his presentation, but was rebuffed by the moderator, who said that since the event was not a formal press conference, no questions from the floor were allowed.

When Yang concluded his remarks, a young Chinese woman jumped in front of him shouting slogans in support of Falungong, a Chinese spiritual movement banned by Chinese authorities in July 1999.

The couple, identified as Li Ding and Chunfang Yang, told reporters they hoped to persuade Chinese officials to stop harassing Falungong members.

"We really, sincerely hope that the Chinese government, especially the Jiang Zemin [party' name omitted] regime will change its policy toward those peace-loving Falungong practitioners," said Chunfang

Yang.

[...]

A handful of banner-wielding Falungong protesters silently demonstrated outside the National Press Building, where Yang delivered his speech.

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