ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the complex relationship between Falun Gong and the Chinese government, exploring the reality behind the claims and counterclaims regarding the former's stated opposition to suicide. It provides an overview of the history of attitudes to suicide in China. The teachings of Falun Gong explicitly forbid suicide; yet in 2001, five protesters set themselves ablaze in Tiananmen Square resulting in two deaths. The suicide's stated aim was to bring the world's focus onto the repression of the movement by the Chinese government. The suicide rate in China is one of the highest in the world and suicide has often played a prominent role in Chinese culture. Indeed, suicide has featured in accounts of defeated military leaders and monarchs during the shifting of dynasties, wars, the uncovering of corruption, and unfavorable family circumstances.
