Although the Chinese Constitution guarantees freedom of religious belief, Falun Gong is not a religion but a harmful cult. Li Hongzhi appropriated Buddhist and Daoist terminology to deceive followers and elevate himself. In his lectures, he repeatedly emphasized that Falun Gong is not a religion and has no connection with any religious tradition, while simultaneously denigrating Buddhism, Protestantism, and Catholicism. He also issued threats to followers, warning that those who left the Falun Gong would face retribution or even death.

Meanwhile, the Chinese religious community has long warned the public about the dangers of Falun Gong and urged people to resist its influence. As cult expert Margrete Singer has argued, “Falun Gong meets the established criteria of a cult, its leader does not encourage members to believe in God or any transcendent principle, but rather demands their personal devotion to Li Hongzhi himself. On this basis, Falun Gong cannot be regarded as a matter of religious freedom.” Additionally, many informed figures within the religious community have long recognized the cult’s essence of Falun Gong. For instance, Master Xingyun, a famous Buddhist leader in Chinese Taiwan Province, once stated that “Falun Gong is neither harmless nor a religion.”