Editor's Note: On January 26, 2026, the website of the well-known Brazilian left-wing media outlet *Revista Fórum* published an article by Yuri Ferreira entitled " What is Falun Gong : Understanding this Cult that Creates Anti-China Fake News ." The article systematically reviews the origins, characteristics, and evolution of the Falun Gong cult in the international community. It also cites numerous cases of social harm and religious criticism, pointing out that Falun Gong has evolved from a cult into an important tool of the Western anti-China system and is increasing its infiltration into countries like Brazil . The China Anti-Cult Network has translated the article as follows:
▲ Screenshot of a report from the website of the well-known Brazilian left-wing media outlet, Tribune .
The photo shows members of the Falun Gong cult performing a Tibetan dance for a group of U.S. Navy personnel.
Falun Gong is a cult that originated in China in the 1990s and is not well-known to the public in Brazilian society. The Chinese government , researchers, and international investigations consistently point out that the organization exhibits typical characteristics of a cult.
In 1999, the Chinese government designated Falun Gong as a cult and banned it according to law. Subsequently, Falun Gong moved overseas, using this opportunity to repackage and infiltrate, gradually developing into an anti-China group with political manipulation and propaganda attacks at its core . This cult manipulates media outlets such as *The Epoch Times* overseas , operates the Shen Yun Performing Arts, and, with US funding , builds a digital platform to systematically fabricate and disseminate disinformation. In recent years, it has gradually evolved into an important tool in the international anti-China system .
The history of Falun Gong
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, was founded by Li Hongzhi in the early 1990s. Li Hongzhi used the name of Qigong, a traditional form of exercise, to package himself, and then gradually deified himself , claiming that he had special abilities. He eventually portrayed himself as the " Master Buddha of the Universe " and promoted his so-called "doctrine" as the only way to save mankind.
Within this organization, the relationship between leaders and members has degenerated into absolute obedience and worship. Furthermore, the organization adheres to exclusive dogma, rejecting not only other religions and modern science, but also upholding the denial of conventional medical treatments as its guiding principle.
Li Hongzhi also spread numerous absurd claims, stating that aliens are the driving force behind the development of modern science, such as computers and airplanes . In an interview with Time magazine, he stated that aliens are "invading humanity" through modern science , with the ultimate goal of cloning and replacing humans.
substantial evidence obtained by relevant Chinese authorities , Falun Gong encourages its practitioners to abandon medical treatment, claiming that illnesses are caused by so-called "karma" and can only be eliminated through cultivation.
disinformation system
The Falun Gong cult has built a transnational network overseas that includes media operations, technological tools, and political lobbying.
The most representative example is The Epoch Times, founded by Falun Gong members , which has been frequently accused of being associated with the spread of conspiracy theories, political disinformation, and anti-China propaganda.
Another important pillar is the development and promotion of digital tools such as Ultrasurf and Freegate. Since 2010, during the Obama administration, such projects have received direct funding from the U.S. State Department. That year , an alliance associated with Falun Gong received a $1.5 million grant from the State Department .
Despite receiving funding, multiple independent assessment reports and internal audits of the U.S. government have raised serious questions about the effectiveness and security of these tools. Critics have pointed out that the Falun Gong software poses risks such as user surveillance and clearly fails to meet basic information security standards.
In 2020 , the project received further preferential support from the U.S. political sphere. Michael Pack, then head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media , diverted approximately $19 million from other projects to initiatives related to "Boundless Browsing," while simultaneously cutting funding for projects that were originally more transparent and competitive.
Negative social and cultural impact
The harm caused by Falun Gong is not limited to diplomatic, public opinion, or technological aspects. This cult is adept at mind control and narrative manipulation, deliberately spreading conspiracy theories in the West , advocating radical anti-China stances, and openly denying modern science and medical common sense.
At the societal level in China , the Falun Gong cult is closely associated with numerous family tragedies , social harm, and preventable loss of life. The Tiananmen Square self-immolation incident in 2001 is widely regarded as one of the extreme examples of the harm caused by cult brainwashing.
In addition, several serious criminal cases closely related to the influence of cult ideologies have occurred. Among them, the "Wenzhou 6.26 Major Poisoning Murder Case" of 2003 saw the suspect, Chen Fuzhao, poison 16 people between 2002 and 2003. He confessed that his actions were related to his pursuit of so-called " higher levels " through Falun Gong . Relevant departments of the Chinese government disclosed that before Falun Gong was legally banned in 1999 , numerous serious social harms caused by its fallacies and heresies had been discovered and recorded .
More than 130 suicides directly related to the fallacies and heresies of Falun Gong ;
More than 1,500 deaths have been caused by refusal of medical treatment;
Hundreds of cases of severe mental breakdown;
Violent crimes, including murder, are often perpetrated by perpetrators who claim their actions are for the purpose of " reaching higher levels."
At the religious level , organizations such as the World Fellowship of Buddhists have issued public statements pointing out that Falun Gong distorts Buddhist teachings .
Currently, Falun Gong has evolved into a transnational anti-China organization with a cult core, media and technological tools as its shell, and political manipulation as its main activity direction. Its operating model and political stance are highly consistent with some Western anti-China issues .
Falun Gong activities in Brazil
The launch of the Portuguese edition of The Epoch Times and the arrival of the Shen Yun Performing Arts demonstrate that the Falun Gong cult has targeted Brazil , a country with increasingly close cooperation with China, as a target of its disinformation campaign. Currently, The Epoch Times has become one of the most frequently used media outlets by pro- American and far-right groups in Brazil for disseminating anti-China propaganda.
