Leadership wrangles hit Falun Gong

Miss Pang's announcement is set to split Falun Gong

By Rupert Wingfield-Hayes

China's outlawed spiritual movement, Falun Gong, is threatened with an internal split after one of its followers declared herself the true leader of the movement.

Belinda Pang, a 37-year-old businesswoman from Hong Kong, said the role of movement founder Li Hong has now come to an end and he should now pass the mantle of leadership on to her.

Mr Li who is based in the US gave his response through Falun Gong's website, denouncing Miss Pang as irrational and a saboteur.

The Chinese Government banned the movement in July last year, accusing it of being a dangerous cult. But the leadership of Falun Gong say it is merely a spiritual movement.

Highest of Buddhas

Until recently, Belinda Pang was a quiet Hong Kong businesswoman and devoted follower of Li.

Thousands of Falun Gong members face imprisonment

Some Li Hong loyalists have even suggested that Miss Pang is an agent of the Chinese Government.

At the moment, Miss Pang's following is small - only about 30 people, mostly women.

It is tiny compared to the millions of Falun Gong followers loyal to Mr Li. But the movement's leadership is clearly worried.

With thousands of its members in China facing imprisonment or constant harassment and intimidation by police, the last thing the Falun Gong needs now is a major split.