President

People's Republic of China

Beijing

China

September 6, 2000

President Jiang:

You have come to New York this week to represent China at the United Nations. You will be meeting with leaders of other governments, many of whom are critical of or unclear about your policies and intentions. You have never shied away from those who have ideas that greatly differ from your own.

It is for this reason that the millions of practitioners of Falun Gong, a simple practice of meditation with deep roots in Chinese tradition, ask that you listen to us now. You must end the brutal and repressive policies that have brought shame to your government in recent months.

Sir, you must know what suffering you now bring to millions of your citizens. You must know about the many Falun Gong practitioners who have been killed in police custody, who have been illegally arrested, imprisoned, and tortured. You must know of the human rights atrocities committed every day in your prisons, labor camps and mental hospitals. You are allowing your people to be slaughtered.

We appeal to you as a worldwide voice of conscience. Release innocent people and stop shaming China with these uncivilized and inhumane practices. Your government has made a terrible mistake. As a global leader, you must have the courage to correct it.

President Jiang Zemin: Why not meet with us?

Our purpose is not to debate with you. Rather, we would like to explore a peaceful solution for a crisis that is setting up your own citizens as enemies of the state and bringing your nation ill repute worldwide.

Many of your predecessors have been willing to end policies that were not working: Chairman Mao met with President Nixon to create a new opening; Chairman Deng reformed the economic policies of yesteryear. These leaders were strong enough to admit past errors and change ineffective policies. Surely, as a global leader, you are not afraid to speak with us, be it publicly or privately.

President Jiang, please put an end to the injustice. Give yourself and China a legacy that the world will respect.

Let us talk.

Let us make peace.

Respectfully,

U.S. Falun Gong Practitioners

and the Friends of Falun Gong