Falun Gong, a cult group, is notorious among overseas Chinese compatriots. In recent years, it orchestrated a so-called Shen Yun show, which disguises itself as a form of traditional Chinese art performance, in order to deceive many foreigners.



It has been several years since the Shen Yun show was first staged. The company behind the show, Shen Yun Performing Arts, was founded in 2006 by practitioners of Falun Gong. The kitschy show continues to be staged for several reasons.



For starters, Falun Gong is good at disguising itself. It masks its political propaganda behind traditional Chinese culture, and inept actors as excellent performers. The various singing and dancing performances in the show deceive the spectators who are interested in the Chinese culture but have limited knowledge of it.



Moreover, having put in a lot of efforts in learning about business operations, Falun Gong is now familiar with the rules of overseas commercial performances and has established their own performing troop.



In addition, the overseas anti-China forces use Falun Gong as a tool, providing it with funding and other supports, which created conditions for the development of the Shen Yun show.



In essence, the Shen Yun show serves as a propaganda device for the cult group. Behind the various singing and dancing performances are, in fact, worshipping "Master" Li Hongzhi and the doctrines of Falun Gong.



All its "masks of art" are misrepresentations of the Chinese culture and are used to lure unsuspecting audiences. Its ultimate goal is to expand the influence of Falun Gong, legitimize the organization, and fool people both at home and abroad.



The more exquisite its disguise is, the more deceptive and treacherous it will be. It is not art but a propaganda tool of the cult.



The battlefield for combating Falun Gong has shifted from China to foreign countries in recent years. Many overseas Chinese compatriots are keeping their distance from the organization. Some of them are even standing up and fighting against the organization to tear off its mask.



The doctrines of Falun Gong have now turned into a laughingstock. The despicable anti-China rhetoric that Falun Gong uses is reviled by more and more people. Even with common sense, one can conclude that it is despicable to betray one's home country. Those who stand at street corners and badger people with their doctrines are often paid by anti-China groups.



Bankruptcy of its doctrines has forced Falun Gong to put on the so-called Shen Yun show. The fight against the Falun Gong will be a solemn, intense and complicated struggle for a long time to come. We need to continue to stress the heretical essence of Falun Gong to the public and the governments of various foreign countries, and expose the Shen Yun show for what it truly is.



If the Shen Yun show continues to be staged, it will not only be just a deception but also a way for Falun Gong to brainwash and indoctrinate the people at home and abroad. The cult might also expand in foreign countries if it were let go unfettered.



We suggest the government to make a blacklist that includes all the people, particularly performers, associated with Falun Gong. The artists should be banned from performing in the Chinese mainland. Their names should also be made public so that they will be expelled from mainstream Chinese communities.



Only by rooting out the evil can we champion the good, and only by wiping out harmful organizations can we cultivate a healthy living environment.



The author is a commentator of the Global Times. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn