Taipei, Taiwan - National Security Bureau Director Tsai Der-sheng said on Monday that it would be inappropriate for the founder of Falun Gong to visit Taiwan. Tsai was speaking in response to the opposition legislator Tsai Huang-liang who said that a civil group has extended an invitation to Li Hongzhi, the leader of the religious group, to visit Taiwan.
Director Tsai said that inviting any politically-sensitive figures to Taiwan has to take into consideration the country's security and best interests. He said that Li's visit will have a negative effect on Taiwan-China relations. Opposition legislator Tsai Huang-liang however criticized the bureau for succumbing to pressure from China.
Falun Gong is a system of beliefs and practices that started in China in 1992 influenced by Buddhism and Taoism. It has been termed an "evil cult" by the Chinese government, which suppresses its followers.