UK Government Office Responds to Threats Targeting Shen Yun: “We Will Not Tolerate Transnational Repression”

The UK Falun Dafa Association received a letter of support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) on January 23, 2026, in response to threats targeting Shen Yun Performing Arts’ 2026 UK tour. The threats appear to originate from Chinese Communist Party (CCP) operatives, and are attempts to sow disinformation and stop Shen Yun from performing in the United Kingdom.

The CCP targets Shen Yun because company artists engage in the Falun Dafa spiritual practice, which has been under brutal persecution by the Chinese regime since 1999. Shen Yun performances also showcase the 5,000 years of Chinese culture before communism.

After a number of threats were received by theaters hosting Shen Yun, the UK Falun Dafa Association raised with issue with the UK Government. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office responded, “Any attempt by a foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated.”

Theaters Receive Threatening Emails

The UK leg of Shen Yun’s 2026 tour was officially launched on January 2. Ticket sales have been brisk, with nearly every show sold out. However, before and during the performances, several theaters where Shen Yun was booked received threatening emails from CCP operatives. Some were written in Chinese, and some in English, with contents including threats of violence and insinuation of political repercussions.

Two Emails Threatening Individual Safety Sent to Theater in Birmingham

The first venue of Shen Yun’s UK performances, the theater in Birmingham, received two threatening emails several days before the shows, several days apart.

The first email threatened:

“Cancel Shen Yun performances or Keir Stammer, the UK prime minister, will be shot from a long distance!”

The second email stated:

“We have installed lots of plastic bombs; these bombs will explode in an hour.”

Threatening Emails Received in Oxford

In Oxford, Shen Yun’s second UK stop, the hosting theater received similar email threats before the performances. One message claimed to be from an “independent researcher” on Asian Culture and Falun Dafa (also called Falun Gong), claiming to provide a risk assessment. The email contained disinformation and threatening statements:

“The Chinese government regards hosting Shen Yun performances as a hostilepolitical act.

“Permanent Exclusion: Venues that host Shen Yun are often placed on ‘non-cooperation lists.’ In practice, this can result in a permanent ban on hosting official Chinese state-level orchestras, ballet companies, or exhibitions in the future. Such an outcome would effectively exclude your theater from access to China’s vast cultural market and related sponsorship opportunities.”

In addition, an email impersonating a well-known person was received on January 10, 2026, by the UK Shen Yun ticketing office as well as the theater in Oxford. The email stated:

“If you insist on performing Shen Yun, a terrorist attack will occur. I’m not kidding.”

A photo of a bullet was attached to the email.

Police Investigation and Letter from the UK Foreign Affairs Department

The theaters in Birmingham and Oxford reported the incidents to their local police. The police immediately investigated and stepped up security during the shows. Although there was some disruption, the shows continued as scheduled.

The UK Falun Dafa Association subsequently wrote to the UK government and related department regarding the series of threats. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office sent a formal reply on January 23, expressing firm support for Falun Gong and Shen Yun Performing Arts.

UK Government: Transnational Repression Will Not Be Tolerated

In the letter to the Falun Dafa Association, the FCDO first expressed concern for the persecution suffered by practitioners and Shen Yun artists:

“Thank you for your correspondence of 9 January about recent threats directed atShen Yun performers and their host venues in the UK. The environment for freedom of religion or belief across China is restrictive. The UK is concerned by the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners within China and overseas.”

The letter further clarified the government’s position: “This Government will stand firm on human rights and is committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief for all, including Falun Gong practitioners, Shen Yun performers, and their audiences.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs also affirmed the government’s main concern: “The first duty of the Government is to keep the country safe. We are committed to responding to foreign interference, including those actions which amount to transnational repression. Any attempt by a foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated.”

At the end of the letter, the government once again reiterated its stance: “I hope this response reassures you that the Government takes the safety and security of Falun Gong practitioners, Shen Yun performers, and their audiences very seriously.”