Religion must align with law for ethnic and social harmony in China, Xi says

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for further enactment of law and regulation, as well as stricter law enforcement, in religious affairs in a push to Sinicise religions in the country, according to state media.

Xi made the remark on Monday while presiding over a group study session of the ruling Communist Party’s Politburo.

“Governing religious affairs in accordance with the law is the fundamental way to properly handle various contradictions and problems in the religious field,” he said, according to state news agency Xinhua.

“[We must] enhance relevant laws and policies, carry out in-depth legal publicity and education, and implement strict law enforcement.”

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Xi said that continuously promoting the Sinicisation of religions – a term used by the ruling party to describe efforts to orient all religions in China towards Chinese politics and culture – was “the only way” for religious, ethnic and social harmony, and the long-term stability of the country, according to Xinhua.

South China Morning Post