By Meng Hao, Vision Times
The U.K. government has issued a firm response to a series of threats targeting Shen Yun Performing Arts during its 2026 European tour, declaring that intimidation by foreign powers on British soil “will not be tolerated.” The statement came in a formal letter from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) to the U.K. Falun Dafa Association following bomb threats and violent intimidation directed at theaters hosting the performances.
Shen Yun Performing Arts, a New York–based company, is known for showcasing 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture prior to the ravages of communist rule. Many of its artists practice Falun Dafa, a spiritual discipline that has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since 1999. Because of this, Shen Yun has long been a target of overseas interference attributed to CCP-linked actors seeking to disrupt performances and intimidate venues.
A slew of violent threats
The U.K. leg of Shen Yun’s 2026 tour officially launched on Jan. 2, with ticket sales reported to be strong and many performances sold out. However, before and during the shows, multiple theaters received threatening emails containing explicit warnings of violence and political retaliation.
At the tour’s first stop in Birmingham, the hosting theater received two threatening emails days apart. The first message warned: “Cancel Shen Yun performances or Keir Stammer, the U.K. prime minister, will be shot from a long distance!” A second email then escalated the threat, stating: “We have installed lots of plastic bombs; these bombs will explode in an hour.”
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Similar incidents were reported in Oxford, Shen Yun’s second U.K. stop. One email, claiming to be from an “independent researcher,” attempted to frame the threat as a “risk assessment” while delivering political intimidation. It stated: “The Chinese government regards hosting Shen Yun performances as a hostile political act.”
The message further warned of alleged long-term consequences for venues that dare receive the company: “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.”
UK reaffirms commitment to public safety
On Jan. 10, 2026, an additional email impersonating a well-known individual was sent to both the Oxford theater and the U.K. Shen Yun ticketing office. The message read: “If you insist on performing Shen Yun, a terrorist attack will occur. I’m not kidding.” A photo of a bullet was attached.
Local police in Birmingham and Oxford launched immediate investigations and increased security at the venues. Despite disruptions, all performances proceeded as scheduled.
In response to the threats, the U.K. Falun Dafa Association contacted the government. The FCDO replied on January 23 with a letter expressing concern and outlining the government’s position. It acknowledged the broader context of persecution faced by Falun Gong practitioners, stating: “The environment for freedom of religion or belief across China is restrictive. The U.K. is concerned by the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners within China and overseas.”
The letter emphasized the U.K.’s commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms: “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.”
Addressing the threats directly, the FCDO underscored national security priorities: “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 U.K. will not be tolerated.”
The letter concluded by reaffirming the government’s 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.”
Last Feburary, the U.S. State Department similarly noted and criticized the CCP’s transnational repression campaign against Falun Gong, including Shen Yun, and other overseas Chinese dissident groups.
Raving reviews
On Feb. 12, Oxford City Mayor Louise Upton praised the performance as extraordinarily brilliant and visually stunning, expressing deep admiration for the performers’ exceptional skill, physical strength, and remarkable agility. She especially commended Shen Yun’s mission to revive five thousand years of traditional culture that has been nearly lost under communism, emphasizing that this cultural heritage is vital to modern society. Upton said she was deeply moved by the core values of kindness and compassion portrayed on stage, and stressed that the spiritual energy conveyed by Shen Yun resonates with every audience member.
In Birmingham, successful businessman Michael Paul was equally impressed, noting that Shen Yun’s innovative integration of high-tech dynamic backdrops with a live symphony orchestra gave him a refreshed understanding of authentic Chinese culture. “The technical ability on display is truly world-class,” he said. “This innovative form of expression is absolutely breathtaking. The visual impact was something I have never experienced before.”
Renowned British actress and veteran artist Cheryl Knight described Shen Yun’s choreography as the most perfect masterpiece she had ever seen in her life. “What flows across the stage is not only superb dance technique, but profound divinity,” she said. “The perfect harmony of color, music, and movement feels as though the heavenly realm has been brought down to earth.”
British audiences also spoke highly of the traditional values of “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance” presented through Shen Yun. In London, management consultant Geoff Wood said the performance’s message of moral cause and effect, reverence for the divine, and understanding of destiny brought peace and comfort to today’s society. “The show allowed me to see the true roots of Chinese civilization,” he said. “This culture, rooted in the divine, has the power to inspire every person’s soul.”
