The State Department is concerned about CCP’s blocking of Shen Yun in South Korea
U.S. lawmakers have spoken out against the actions of the Chinese Communist Party. Rep. Ralph Norman stated that he hopes “those in Korea will stand strong against this type of bullying from Chinese officials” in response to the pressure placed on South Korean theaters to block New York-based arts group Shen Yun Performing Arts. The U.S. State Department, alongside several U.S. lawmakers, have also raised concerns over the influence exerted by Beijing’s regime.
An investigation by The Epoch Times previously highlighted Chinese Embassy’s threats against theaters, using financial and diplomatic leverage, against Shen Yun Performing Arts to prevent the company from performing in South Korea. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel noted that China has a history of using economic coercion in various countries and stated that the United States, in partnership with other countries, will address this issue in the Indo-Pacific.
Shen Yun has faced challenges in South Korea due to the CCP’s influence for years, but the interference by Chinese officials this year has sparked greater concern. A representative from the Chinese Embassy in Seoul openly admitted that the embassy was running interference against Shen Yun. Lawmakers, including Rep. Ralph Norman and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, have expressed their concern and denounced the actions of the CCP in South Korea.
The CCP’s efforts to subvert South Korea through its United Front operations have also faced criticism from former South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism director Han Minho. The actions of the CCP are seen as an attempt to suppress freedom of expression and belief. Shen Yun has faced similar challenges globally due to Chinese regime’s desire for control. These actions by China have been condemned by U.S. officials, and calls have been made for South Korean officials to stand against this interference.
