Chinese diplomat Chen Yonglin from the Sydney consulate openly resigned from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at a rally to support 2 million people quitting the CCP on June 4, 2005. Since then, Hao Fengjun from Tianjin’s 610 Office Office (established only to persecute Falun Gong) and another CCP official have sought asylum in Australia and have publicly exposed the crimes of the CCP. Three officials announced their renunciation of the CCP within just one week. These Chinese diplomatic defectors in Australia have aroused great attention and strong responses from the international community.

People Around the World Declare Support for Chen and Hao in front of Chinese Consulates

During the past few days, people of all varieties have gathered in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Toronto, Vancouver, Australia and many other large cities to express support for the courageous actions of these defecting diplomats. Rallies and press conferences have been held outside the Chinese Consulates in many regions. The rally attendees declared support for Chen Yonglin’s and Hao Fengjun’s public resignations from the CCP and their exposure of the spy network built in other countries by the CCP to keep activists for democracy and Falun Gong practitioners under surveillance. The rallies are intended to encourage Chinese consulate diplomats to follow Chen’s example and quickly leave the CCP, walking toward a bright future.

Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer Accused

	Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer (Prakash Singh/AFP/Getty Images)

The Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, rejected Chen’s first request for political asylum, within 24 hours of his application, on May 26, 2005. Chen Yonglin was forced to run to the Sydney immigration office to hide, because immigration officials informed the Chinese Embassy when the incident occurred.

According to Reuters, an Australian Falun Gong spokesperson in Sydney condemned the Australian government for exchanging human rights for trading rights by advising against accepting Chen’s application for political asylum.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, “A refugee lawyer, Martin Clutterbuck, said a section in the Migration Act of 1958, 336E, ‘prohibits disclosing the identity of an asylum seeker to the foreign country.’ What happened to Chen Yonglin was outrageous and it may even be illegal.” Downer is facing accusations of violating immigration laws and regulations.

Sounds of Justice inside and outside the Australian Government

	Health Minister Tony Abbott and Treasurer Peter Costello (www.aph.gov.au)

Two Australian cabinet officials expressed support for Chen’s request for asylum. Health Minister Tony Abbott said, “He is at no risk of being sent back to China.” Federal Treasurer Peter Costello said that if Chen was facing persecution he ought to be given protection.

Australian Green Party Senator Bob Brown already wrote a letter to the New South Wales Police Department Chief, Carl Scully, and the New South Wales Police Bureau Chief, Ken Moroney, requesting they provide protection for Chen Yonglin and his family.

Amnesty International Manager Andrew Beswick said that he was unable to take a direct stance on the Chen Yonglin issue, but there is one thing that is certain- if Chen is forced back to China he will definitely be imprisoned.

Historical Significance of a Diplomat’s Flight

Taiwan’s National Policy Advisor to the President, professor Chiou Chwei-liang, told a reporter that Chen Yonglin’s resignation is a devastating blow to the political power of the CCP. The Australian government should give diplomatic asylum immediately.

China Affairs’ editor-in-chief, Wu Fan said that the political defections of Chen Yonglin and the other two officers are a clear indication that CCP officials with consciences have already pondered when the CCP will collapse and have sought an exit for their future.

Renowned Chinese human rights attorney, Mr. Gou Gouting, attended the rally in Vancouver. In his speech, Guo expressed his belief that Chen Yonglin and Hao Fengjun’s separation from the CCP to expose the truth is a major historical event. More importantly, they were diplomats and even worked for the 610 Office, personally witnessing the persecution of Falun Gong. Their rejection of the Chinese communist regime will significantly stimulate people’s awareness, thereby peacefully ending the dictatorship in China.

CCP Covertly Restricts Officials Going Abroad

Three CCP officials separately sought political asylum in Australia within just one week. This has caused extreme anxiety internally in the CCP.

According to England’s The Times on June 10, news related to Chinese public security indicates China plans on tightening stipulations and adding obstacles for officials who want to leave the mainland. They require government and army officials to obtain permission from their work units prior to applying for a passport at the Public Security Department. Once officials return to the mainland, they must hand in their passports. If they wish to leave mainland again, they must again receive approval from a higher authority.

Appeal to Diplomats and Spies to Leave the CCP

Houston residents sent a letter to the Chinese Consulate stating that Chen Yonglin set an example for CCP diplomats and spies. They hope that Chinese diplomats will no longer be accomplices of the evil CCP or participate in the persecution.

A speaker from the Vancouver’s Alliance to Say Goodbye to the CCP told the general consul and other diplomats that the CCP is a leaking ship that will soon sink. It is such an evil organization, against humanity and the universe, that it is now being thoroughly broken up and disintegrated. We hope that Chinese diplomats will seize the opportunity to break away from the CCP’s tyranny and ally themselves with justice and compassion.