With special emphasis on “sinicisation of religion”, to bolster national security during a national religious work conference held in Beijing late last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for further tightening control on religion.
The conference took place against the backdrop of widespread accusations of repressive control on Muslims and Christians in China, as well as the country’s increasingly tight supervision over religions.
Xi said that China will take measures to develop religions in the Chinese context, with a focus on strengthening control of online religious affairs.
“Religious activities should be carried out within the scope stipulated by laws and regulations … and should not interfere with educational, judicial and administrative affairs as well as social life,” Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying.
Religious affairs in China should be regulated in accordance with the country’s socialist society, Xi said.
He urged more nationalism, collectivism, socialism, and an improved understanding of history in the religious sector.
Last month China was among several nations designated by the US as “countries of particular concern” for violations of religious freedom.