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 communism. 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.”

RELATED: Communist China Impersonates World Leaders to Threaten Shen Yun

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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: “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.”

On Jan. 23, 2026, the U.K. Falun Dafa Association received this letter from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office condemning the threats. (Image: via Minghui.org)

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.”

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