Shen Yun claim cyber-attacks by Chinese Communist Party

The New York-based, Chinese performing arts group allege a campaign by Beijing to disrupt performances.

New-York based, Chinese performing arts organisation, Shen Yun have claimed the Chinese Communist Party has been attempting to undermine their operations, most recently with a series of “massive” cyber-attacks on their website. Sources from Shen Yun claim that data shows the attacks, which took place on January 5 and 7, originated in mainland China “where massive resources were hijacked and mobilised in an attempt to overwhelm the Shen Yun website.” The attack has been reported to the FBI who are currently investigating.

Shen Yun, who will be touring across Australia from January 31, claim that their mission to revive traditional Chinese art forms and spiritual mediation practices dating back 5000 years is at odds with the Chinese Communist Party’s Cultural Revolution ideals.

Since being established in 2006 the Chinese-American ensemble allege they have been the subject of repeated attempts to disrupt their performances, despite Beijing denying any such campaign of persecution.

Supporters of the group have claimed 59 attempts by Chinese Communist Party officials to have performances cancelled, or publicity materials removed at events all over the world in the past nine years. Among the intimidation tactics used it’s alleged that managers and artistic directors of theatres where Shen Yun have been scheduled to perform have been pressured by Communist Party workers to cancel performances; threats of economic sanctions have been made to pressure elected officials to withdraw support for the group; family members of Shen Yun performers still living in China have been harassed; and tour vehicles have been deliberately tampered with.

Despite these alleged attacks on the group, Shen Yun has a full touring schedule in 2015, with performances due in more than 100 cities around the world this year.

Shen Yun will tour the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne from January 31. Tickets and information is available on their website.