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The Quigong movement, which pertains to a broad set of exercises, meditation, and breathing methods, originates and grows in popularity. These exercises originated from Buddism, Daoists, and martial arts.
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Li Hongzhi is born Gongzhuling, Jilin Providence; Li is considered the founder of Falun Gong
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Mr. Li begins teaching his practice of meditation, exercises, and breathing to the Chinese general public and holds public lessons where thousands attend. Falun Gong begins to spread throughout China as well with Mr. Li being recognized as a Grandmaster of Qigong and where he becomes an honorary citizen of the USA for his achievements.
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After political tensions rise and Falun Gong publications become exceedingly popular, the Communist Party of China bans all publications of Falun Gong in order to destroy propaganda.
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To avoid political tensions created by the Communist Party, Li relocates to the United States permanently.
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After declining offers to grow as an official association in China, Li begins to teach Falun Gong abroad, beginning in Europe. Falun Gong continues to grow more popular worldwide.
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The Falun Gong withdraws from the state-run Qigong Science Research Association of China as well as the Falun Gong Research Association of China due to philosophical differences and suspected exploitation, making Falun Gong the largest independent civil society group in Chinese history.
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The Chinese Ministry of Propaganda bans all Falun Gong books for spreading superstition
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The Chinese government investigates Falun Gong, claiming that the organization is a developed cult. The Chinese government ransacks homes, taps into phone lines, and reads emails by Falun Gong influencers. An estimated 70 million people are practicing Falun Gong in China.
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In response to the investigations against Falun Gong, members begin to protest, leading to arrests and beatings of Falun Gong members. Thousands are taken to detention centers, Falun Gong literature is destroyed, and many members fled to Beijing.
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"6-10 Office" is established by the Communist Party of China in order to eradicate the practice of Falun Gong in China, destroy Falun Gong's literature, and suspend the future spread of the belief system.