Expert Condemns Chinese Regime’s Fabricated Bomb Threat Against Shen Yun as Outrageous

March 24, 2025 TruthUSA

“Shen Yun highlights the injustices perpetrated by the Chinese government and the tortures it inflicts,” stated a political expert.

PHILADELPHIA—Political expert Mark Thomas called the recent threats aimed at Shen Yun Performing Arts “completely unacceptable.”

Thomas, who serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and Economics at La Salle University in Philadelphia, denounced the actions of the Chinese regime against the New York-based performing arts organization.

A past attendee of Shen Yun’s performances, Thomas described them as “very peaceful” and “very healing.”

“I know the Chinese government strongly opposes it,” he remarked. “The bomb threats directed at the Kennedy Center … are utterly unacceptable.

“Whether it comes directly from the Chinese government, the Ministry of State Security, or the People’s Liberation Army, they have manipulated others to carry this out,” he continued, referencing China’s Ministry of State Security and the People’s Liberation Army.

Thomas referred to a recent threatening email sent to Shen Yun, which caused the evacuation of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington just before the group’s opening night on February 20.

The bomb threat, as with similar threats aimed at other theaters, was ultimately found to be a hoax.

This incident is one among many threats made against Shen Yun, a group that showcases classical Chinese dance and music to highlight China’s ancient civilization prior to the communist takeover.

“The actions of the Chinese government in issuing these bomb threats are … unwarranted,” Thomas stated. “This is a form of disinformation that instills fear in those wishing to attend the theater.”

Since the beginning of Shen Yun’s 2025 global tour, theaters in the United States, France, Taiwan, and beyond have received violent threat emails if Shen Yun’s performances weren’t canceled. Recently, the threats have even been extended to lawmakers and other officials.

Thomas explained that the Chinese government’s resistance to performances like those of Shen Yun is driven by the messages they convey.

“Shen Yun highlights the wrongdoings of the Chinese government and the torture it carries out,” he noted, deeming it “detrimental” for the communist regime to have the global community aware of such issues.

Founded in 2006, Shen Yun has showcased aspects of Chinese culture from before communism, including human rights abuses perpetrated under the current regime, particularly the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, emphasizes the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, but has faced harsh persecution from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since July 1999. In that timeframe, millions have been detained across prisons, labor camps, and other facilities, with hundreds of thousands reportedly tortured while incarcerated, and countless others persecuted to their deaths, as per the Falun Dafa Information Center.

Some performers in Shen Yun have faced torture within China or have family members who have suffered from the CCP’s oppression.

Campaign of Threats

Shen Yun referred to the bomb threat received by the Kennedy Center as merely one of many “pranks intended to frighten theaters and their audiences.”

Ever since its establishment, the CCP has sought to undermine the organization.

The Falun Dafa Information Center has documented over 100 incidents across 38 countries involving attacks against Shen Yun. In addition to bomb threats, Chinese diplomats have exerted pressure on theaters and politicians who might attend or support the productions. Shen Yun has also suffered sabotage, with tour bus tires frequently slashed, necessitating round-the-clock security for the vehicles. This campaign has appeared to escalate over the last two years.

In December 2022, CCP leader Xi Jinping ordered various top Chinese agencies to attack Falun Gong-related entities worldwide using new strategies, as reported by The Epoch Times back in December 2024. Specifically, officials were tasked with initiating lawfare and disinformation campaigns abroad to tarnish Falun Gong’s reputation.

Shen Yun's tour buses have long been targeted for sabotage. Threats have recently escalated against the performing arts company that portrays "China before communism." (The Epoch Times) — Shen Yun’s tour buses have long been targeted for sabotage. Threats have recently escalated against the performing arts company that portrays “China before communism.” The Epoch Times

Thomas noted how the media is “easily swayed,” advising individuals to “look beyond a single narrative and consider perspectives beyond what the news presents.”

Since retiring from the U.S. Department of Defense in 2016, Thomas has worked as a security officer for the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, emphasizing the importance of the arts.

“Art is … a powerful means of connecting with people,” he explained. “It remains one of the few peaceful outlets we possess, making its significance paramount.”

He commended Shen Yun’s productions.

“Shen Yun delivers a remarkable performance, centered around peace and harmony while reviving the heritage of the Chinese people,” Thomas expressed. “The integration of technology and the elegance of the dancers always makes it a thrilling experience for me.

“It conveys a wonderful message … one of hope, showing the triumph of good over evil,” he added. “That is the most valuable gift we can offer to people.”

Shen Yun currently deploys eight companies simultaneously touring the globe, performing in various cities across five continents.

The arts collective will present shows at the Miller Theater in Philadelphia from May 7 to May 11.

Contributions to this report were made by Eva Fu, Dorothy Li, and Petr Svab.

Source link