(Minghui.org) More than 2,000 Falun Gong practitioners took part in an event in Kaohsiung City, Southern Taiwan, on May 2, 2015, to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the peaceful demonstration in Beijing on April 25, 1999. It also celebrates the 200 million Chinese who have quit the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) organizations after understanding its brutal history, which includes the persecution of Falun Gong.

A press conference was held at 2:00 p.m., followed by a march from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Led by the Divine Land Marching Band, the march featured heavenly girls and a Falun Gong exercise demonstration. With many banners calling for an end to the severe suppression in Mainland China, it concluded with with an energetic waist drum group performance.

More than 2,000 Falun Gong practitioners participated in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan on May 2, 2015. The sign reads “Falun Dafa is Good.”

Waist drum team performs in the march.

Support from Elected Officials

The 5-kilometer march attracted the attention of many tourists and residents. Xiao Yongda, a Kaohsiung City councilor, said he agreed with the principles of Falun Gong, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

“As we know, the Chinese Communist Party is full of violence, and it contradicts these principles. That's what the regime is afraid of, and that's why it persecutes Falun Gong practitioners.” As a councilor in Kaohsiung City, he invited more Falun Gong activities, saying, “This is important for our people, and it will bring us blessings.”

Xiao Yongda, a Kaohsiung City council member, said he agreed with the principles of Falun Gong, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Kang Yu-cheng, Kaohsiung City council speaker, wrote a letter wishing great success to the march. Compared to Mainland China, she said, “We are enjoying freedom and democracy here in Taiwan. Basic human rights are also highly respected in Kaohsiung City.”

With background in both law and political sciences, Kang introduced a resolution in the Kaohsiung City Council asking to ban CCP human rights offenders from entering Taiwan. This resolution was unanimously passed in October 2010, and delivered to the Taiwan Mainland Affairs Office, Immigration Bureau, and Kaohsiung city government.

“We support anything that is good and beneficial to the society,” said Kang during a interview.

Chen Lina, another council member of the Kaohsiung City also supported this event in her letter. “Taiwan is a society based on its citizens. And what we do reflects the needs of our citizens.” She said that there were a large number of Falun Gong practitioners in her district, “I agree with and strongly support their activities.”

“Follow Our Conscience and Support the Righteous”

Zhang Jinhua, chairwoman of the Taiwan Falun Dafa Association, echoed these words of support, and explained the significance of the event. “The Chinese Communist Party has suppressed Falun Gong for 16 years, using torture, killing, and live organ harvesting. With belief in Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, Falun Gong practitioners are raising awareness so that this brutality will come to an end.”

Considering 200 million people having renounced their affiliation with the CCP organizations, a “spiritual awakening” movement, Zhang said, “I hope many more will follow their conscience and support the righteous. The Chinese Communist Party has brought too much harm to society, and peacefully dissolving this regime is critical for our future.”

Zhang Jinhua, chairwoman of the Taiwan Falun Dafa Association

More than 2,000 practitioners attended the march

Theresa Chu, spokesperson for the Falun Gong Human Rights Legal Team, thanked practitioners for their efforts in bringing these messages to the public. “We have seen Falun Gong practitioners at major tourist sites in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Day after day, and year after year, they have been working as volunteers to inform the public of what's going on, and helping tourists from Mainland China to separate themselves from the CCP organizations.”

Theresa Chu, spokesperson for the Falun Gong Human Rights Legal Team.

“I Admire Practitioners' Perseverance”

Mr. Tsai, who works at a printing shop, said he liked the march. “I admire practitioners' perseverance, because in Mainland China it takes courage and determination to follow your belief.”

Mr. Chen, who attended the march with his mother, said that his mother had benefited a lot from practicing Falun Gong. “Her health improved dramatically, as did her mind nature. She is now open-minded, and very happy.” He is grateful for these positive changes in his mother.

Another Mr. Chen, an IT professional, applauded the practitioners, “What's going on today is important. When more people step forward and say 'no' to the CCP's bad deeds, the situation in Mainland China will change. Innocent Falun Gong practitioners should not have to suffer any longer over there.”

Mr. Chen (in blue shirt), said that practitioners in Mainland China should not have to suffer any longer. The banner reads, “The CCP Must Stop Organ Harvesting from Living Practitioners.”

Yingwen, a restaurant owner, said that the persecution in China was relevant to all of us, “Each of us should do something to help stop it. Such a horrible human rights violation, with no freedom of belief, is a disgrace to all of mankind.”

Photographic store owner Mr. Qiu was very impressed by the march, “This is the best march I have ever seen. I have taken many pictures, and I will post them online to share with others.”

Holding a Falun Gong pamphlet in his hand, Mr. Qiu said that he finds the exercises very peaceful, “I got this from a practitioner and it looks great. I may give it a try, too.”

Pedestrians watch the march and take pictures.