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Chinese Ambassador Calls Falun Gong ‘Evil Cult’

By Associated Press

SAN JOSE — China’s ambassador to the United States spoke to the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce today and called the Falun Gong religious sect an “evil cult.”

Li Zhaoxing, 60, said that the religious group represented a serious threat to his country’s stability.

“The American people don’t like cults themselves. This cult has already claimed 15,000 lives in China,” Li said.

During Li’s appearance, more than 30 members of the Falun Gong staged a peaceful protest across the street from the hotel where the ambassador was speaking.

Li did not shy away from controversial topics during his speech. He also addressed the status of Taiwan, saying that every U.S. administration has endorsed the “One China” policy.

Li said that individual policy differences should not interfere with improving American-Chinese relations.

“These problems should not stand in our way,” Li said.

Following the speech Li was scheduled to return to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of George W. Bush on Saturday.