China's military ran an 'X-files'-type research programme for 16 years, trying to use psychics for intelligence operations, according to a mainland scientist.
Professor He Zuoxiu, senior researcher at China's Theoretical Physics Institute and a fierce opponent of the programme, said: 'It was very big. They threw a lot of money at it.'
The programme was launched in 1982 by General Zhang Zhenhuan, who was vice-chairman of the Commission for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence, he said.
With Major-General Wu Shaozu, another commission vice-chairman, General Zhang tried to recruit people who were reported to possess paranormal powers. They were taken to a PLA space research centre in Beijing.
Among the believers was former party chief Zhao Ziyang, who was allegedly treated by one of the more famous psychics, Zhang Baosheng, labelled China's 'superman'.
President Jiang Zemin also witnessed a demonstration while he was mayor of Shanghai, Professor He said.