China asks Japan for Falun Gong information
Updated
China has asked for information on Japan-based members of the Chinese banned spiritual group Falun Gong, ahead of the Beijing Olympics.
Japan has refused the request.
Japan is the only country from where are large number of tourists are expected to arrive in China without visas.
Beijing extends 15-day visa free entry to Japanese citizens, just as they do for Singapore and Brunei.
Chinese authorities see potential demonstrations by the Falun Gong as a major security threat during the Games, along with possible separatist activities by Uyghur nationalists from Xinjiang, a predominantly Muslim area of northwest China.
