Australian consular officials were today searching for a Sydney woman reported missing in China.
Two conflicting reports said the woman had been detained by local authorities because she was a Falun Gong practitioner while another claimed she had been kidnapped in China's south-western Chengdu province [Editor’s correction: Chengdu is the Capital of Sichuan Province]. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokeswoman said the women's family had contacted consular officials to report her disappearance.
"We've been advised by the family that she's disappeared and we're investigating with the local authorities," she said.
"We're aware of one report that a 34-year-old woman from Sydney was detained by the local authorities.
"We're pursuing different lines on this story."
The AFP news agency said the woman, whom it named as Nancy Chen, had called her mother early on Wednesday to say she had been kidnapped.
DFAT warned Falun Gong practitioners or supporters may be arrested, deported or detained if they go to China.
"Our travel advice warns about the problems faced by people who are protesting under Falun Gong," the spokeswoman said.
"We really warn Australians about the risks of possible legal action."
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