The internationally renowned performing arts group Shen Yun has reportedly been targeted by a wave of bomb and assassination threats during its recent tour of the United Kingdom, including a message threatening violence against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The US-based dance and music troupe, known for its extensive advertising across the London Underground and sold-out shows worldwide, recently staged performances in Birmingham, Oxford and London. Established in 2006, Shen Yun promotes what it describes as traditional Chinese culture that predates the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
While in Oxford last week, organisers received an email written in Chinese from an unidentified sender, warning of a terrorist attack if the performance went ahead. The message reportedly stated that there would be violent consequences should the show proceed.
A separate threat, received in Birmingham around the New Year, was written in English and warned that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would be shot if the Shen Yun performance was not cancelled.
According to the troupe, these incidents are part of a long-standing pattern of intimidation faced during its global tours. Shen Yun claims that over the past 19 years, it has documented more than 158 threat-related incidents worldwide. In February last year, a theatre in Northampton reportedly received a message alleging explosives had been planted in the venue, while a similar warning was issued ahead of a performance in Woking. Despite these threats, all scheduled shows went ahead.
Leeshai Lemish, a master of ceremonies for Shen Yun, said every threat is reported to authorities and treated seriously. He noted that police investigations have consistently found the threats to be hoaxes, though they require extensive security checks.
Shen Yun has long attributed the threats to hostility from the Chinese government, arguing that its performances conflict with CCP ideology. The troupe is affiliated with Falun Gong, a spiritual movement banned in China. While Beijing accuses the movement of promoting harmful beliefs, Shen Yun maintains that its work is purely cultural and artistic.
Due to the repeated threats, the company now travels with heightened security measures. Lemish disclosed that past incidents have included vehicle vandalism and threats against performers, necessitating additional protection at venues and hotels.
Suspicion that the threats originate from China intensified following similar incidents in Taiwan last year. Shen Yun said repeated warnings there led to involvement from Taiwanese intelligence agencies, as well as authorities in Canada and the United States. Canada’s Foreign Interference Commission later stated it believed the intimidation campaign was linked to the CCP.
The commission said it suspects the threats were coordinated by the Chinese regime, citing evidence of a global effort to silence Shen Yun since its founding. A US-based human rights organisation reportedly documented 135 cases of interference with Shen Yun performances in 38 countries, with Chinese diplomats identified as key actors in a majority of the incidents.
In the UK, Thames Valley Police confirmed it was alerted to a bomb threat against Shen Yun on January 10, 2026. The matter was reviewed by Counter Terrorism Policing, which found no credible risk to the performance, though investigations are ongoing.
A Home Office spokesperson reiterated that the safety of individuals in the UK is paramount, adding that any attempt by a foreign state to intimidate or harm people on British soil would be treated as a serious national security concern.
Despite the threats, Shen Yun has continued its performances, insisting it will not be intimidated into cancelling its shows.
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