Thirty-five foreign nationals who, carrying Falun Gong banners, demonstrated in the Tian'anmen Square area Tuesday afternoon were removed and ordered to leave China within a specified time after being warned by the police.

According to local police sources, at about 14:00 the foreigners suddenly unfurled banners carrying Falun Gong slogans in the square and then held a sit-in, while practicing Falun Gong and shouting Falun Gong slogans.

The police removed them from the site, as their behavior violated Chinese laws governing parades and demonstrations and cults.

The incident is under further investigation, sources said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2001)