Authorities are currently investigating whether a bomb threat aimed at the international dance troupe, Shen Yun, led to the evacuation of the Australian Prime Minister’s residence in Canberra.
Shen Yun, known for its classical dance performances, seems an unlikely candidate for political controversy. However, its association with the long-persecuted Falun Gong movement makes it a target for the Chinese government.
The incident involved Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese being drawn into alleged Chinese intimidation tactics through threatening messages directed at the dance company.
One of the ominous messages stated, “If you proceed with the performance, the Lodge will be blown into ruins and blood will flow like a river.”
Lucy Zhao, a representative from the Falun Dafa Association of Australia, commented, “We shouldn’t allow such hate crimes and foreign interference to continue in Australia by the Chinese Communist Party.”
Threats against Australian politicians have been on the rise, with nearly 1,000 incidents reported last year. Security officials are concerned that authoritarian regimes, including China, are increasingly exporting their internal political tensions to other countries, including Australia.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor labelled the incident “unacceptable” as he called for “a united front”.
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