Assistant Secretary

28 March 2000

Qiwen Yao

CARLTON NSW 2218

Dear Mr/Ms Yao,

Thank you for your letter dated 4 March 2000 concerning Falungong. I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. the Hon Alexander Downer MP.

The Government takes no position on the doctrine or practices of Falungong, but I would note that the reports I have seen indicate that it is a peaceful movement that does not incite violence or hatred.

The Government is concerned about the human rights situation in China. Its view is that the ban by the Chinese Government on Falungong raises questions about freedom of association and speech. On 25 November 1999 in a speech Mr Downer made to the Australia-China Business Council, he expressed the Government's concerns about the maltreatment of supporters of the Falungong movement in China and the continuing crackdown on the group, which is a breach of fundamental rights to assembly and free expression. The Embassy in Beijing and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have registered, on numerous occasions and at senior levels, the Government's concern about the treatment of Falungong practitioners. We have urged China to comply with its commitments under international human rights instruments which protect peaceful expression of views, freedom of assembly and association, and freedom of thought, conscience and religion. We have also raised with the Chinese authorities our concern about the mistreatment of individuals detained.

The goal of the Australian Government in engaging the Chinese on human rights issuesis to make a practical difference on the ground. It is inevitable that change in China will be slow and incremental and there will be negative developments from time to time. However, I assure you we will continue to work in the most effective way possible to achieve practical results in the improbement of the human rights situation in China.

Thank you for bringing your views to the attention of the Government.

Yours sincerely

(signiture)

L E Morton

Assistant Secretary

East Asia Branch

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