View source for Chinese Paranormal Research Program (1979-1984)

= Chinese Paranormal Research Program (1979-1984) =
[[File:Chinese Paranormal Research Program.jpg|thumb|330x330px|Chinese Paranormal Research Program]]
The '''Chinese Paranormal Research Program''' was a government-supported scientific research initiative conducted in [[wikipedia:China|China]] between 1979 and 1984. The program, officially documented in [[wikipedia:Central_Intelligence_Agency|CIA]] declassified file CIA-RDP96-00792R000300330001-8, investigated claims of paranormal capabilities in children and adults. Beginning with the reported discovery of a child who could allegedly recognize characters with his ears, the program expanded to include multiple research institutions and received support from the [[wikipedia:Chinese_Academy_of_Sciences|Chinese Academy of Sciences]] and the National Defense Industries Commission.

== History ==

=== Origins ===
The program traces its official beginning to March 11, 1979, when the [[wikipedia:Sichuan_Daily|Sichuan Daily]] published an article about Tang Yu, a student from [[wikipedia:Dazu,_Chongqing|Dazu County]] who reportedly could identify Chinese characters using his ears rather than his eyes. Following this report, similar abilities were claimed in children across several provinces, including [[wikipedia:Beijing|Beijing]], [[wikipedia:Hebei|Hebei]], and [[wikipedia:Heilongjiang|Heilongjiang]].

=== Development ===
The research initiative developed through four distinct phases:

* '''Initial Discovery''' (March–August 1979)
* '''Institutional Development''' (September 1979–August 1981)
* '''Scientific Debate''' (September 1981–June 1982)
* '''Systematic Research''' (June 1982–1984)

== Research Organization ==

=== Administrative Structure ===
The program operated under the China Human Science Research Commission (Preparatory), with subsidiary committees established in various provinces and municipalities. Key participating institutions included:

* [[wikipedia:Beijing_Normal_University|Beijing Normal College]]
* Shanghai Transportation University
* [[wikipedia:Chinese_Academy_of_Sciences|Chinese Academy of Sciences]]
* Multiple provincial medical institutions

=== Key Personnel ===

* '''Qian Xue-Lin''' – Leading theoretical contributor
* '''Zhang Zhen-Huan''' – National Defense Industries Commission representative
* '''He Zong-Yu''' – Chairman of research commission

== Experimental Studies ==

=== Major Research Areas ===
The program investigated several claimed paranormal phenomena:

==== Psychic Writing ====
Experiments involved attempts to:

* Write on paper inside sealed envelopes
* Transfer writing through spatial barriers
* Create impressions of seals in closed containers

==== Material Manipulation ====
Studies included:

* Breaking and reforming of metal needles
* Movement of objects through sealed barriers
* Teleportation of small items

=== Methodology ===
Researchers employed various scientific instruments and methods:

* Electron microscopy
* EEG monitoring
* Blood flow measurement
* Temperature recording
* Double-blind protocols

== Controversy ==
The program faced significant scientific and ideological challenges, particularly during 1981-1982. Critics, led by [[wikipedia:Yu_Guangyuanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yu_Guangyuan|Yu Guang-Yuan]], characterized the research as "running counter to Marxism" and "feudal sorcery." The controversy was ultimately resolved through intervention from the Central Committee Propaganda Department, which authorized continued research.

== References ==

* [https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/document/cia-rdp96-00792r000300330001-8 CIA-RDP96-00792R000300330001-8 (Declassified 2000)]