Liu Bao Ren, from Fujian province in Southern China, was persecuted for his membership of a banned Buddhist cult, the Quan Yin method, whose leader lives in Taiwan. This ‘meditation practice’ claims to have half a million followers in seven provinces. When the Chinese government discovered a list of several thousand members, they labelled it a ‘reactionary religious organisation’ at first and then redefined it as an ‘evil cult’ after the Falun Gong ban of July 1999 when ten thousand followers staged a mass sit-in in front of the walled leadership compound in Beijing. The Chinese government had become particularly sensitive to any mass mobilisation of people after the infamous Tiananmen Square massacre of pro-Democracy activists in 1989-90. These ‘religions’ were seen to be providing a focal point for anti-regime views. During the crackdown, the offices, schools and other facilities of the Quan Yin Method were forced to close down, their assets confiscated and their key personnel detained or arrested.

The Fujianese also have a long tradition of emigration, dating back to the 19th century when Britain was looking for cheap labour for its colonies after the international slave trade had been abolished. This slowed down in 1949, from the time of the Communist takeover, when having relatives abroad was frowned upon and could lead to political harassment and charges of spying. Since 1995, it is again common for many Fujianese to have relatives living abroad and the provincial economy has been transformed by the money they send home. Fujian province is right opposite Taiwan. It is not the poorest province in China but it does not have much manufacturing or production because it is on a permanent war footing with Taiwan which has been supported by America as part of its policy to contain and isolate China. Hundreds of ballistic missiles pointing towards Taiwan are based in Fujian province.