In the first large-scale Chinese New Year celebration performance held in Stamford, Connecticut, on January 21, Li Zhaoxin [Chinese Ambassador to the US] did not forget to slander Falun Gong as a banned "X" [derogatory word respectfully omitted] in his New Year speech in front of an audience of over 400 hundred Chinese and Americans, including the city's mayor. Li Zhaoxin said the both the Chinese and the American people have shaken off the influence of Falun Gong, etc.

There was tight security around the auditorium. Once they noticed the presence of Falun Gong practitioners, Li Zhaoxin did not dare to answer questions from the audience after the performance.

After the performance, some practitioners practiced on the street, some distributed flyers in the parking lot, and some participated in the question-and answer session in the auditorium. We exchanged opinions with many audience members, performers, guards, and government officials. A majority of the people expressed sympathy for the suffering of Falun Gong practitioners, and felt that the remarks made by Li Zhaoxin were not appropriate in this circumstance. Some people indicated that they have family members who practice Falun Gong. Some asked for various types of materials. Some expressed their respect for the efforts of Falun Gong practitioners.

We believe that Li Zhaoxin's desperate act is yet another indication of the Chinese government's despair for its failure in the persecution of Falun Gong. Kind-hearted people around the world are already waking up.