Xi Jinping "Uphold the Sinicization of Religion... Guide Adaptation to Socialism"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to uphold the "Sinicization of religion" and actively guide the mutual adaptation between religion and socialism.

According to local media on the 5th, President Xi stressed this during his speech at the National Religious Work Conference held in Beijing on the 3rd and 4th, stating, "The Party's religious work is essentially mass work. We must deeply promote the Sinicization of religion in our country, and the religious community should carry out education on patriotism, collectivism, and socialism."

He also said, "We must respect the people's religious beliefs, manage religious affairs according to the law, adhere to the principles of independence and autonomy in handling religious matters, and actively guide the mutual adaptation between religion and socialist society."

Religious activities should be conducted within the scope prescribed by laws and regulations. President Xi added, "They must not harm the physical health of the people, violate fair and good customs, or interfere with educational, judicial, administrative functions, and social life."

Meanwhile, this National Religious Work Conference is known as an important religious-related meeting at the level of the United Front, held for the first time in five years since April 2016.