September 30, 2025
Web desk
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for more stringent legal regulation and enforcement over religious affairs as part of a campaign to “Sinicise” religions—making them conform to Chinese political and cultural norms.
At a Politburo study session on Monday, Xi said that governing religious affairs “in accordance with the law” is the essential method to resolve contradictions and issues in the field of religion. He urged stronger laws and policies, “in-depth legal publicity and education, and strict law enforcement.”
Xi also affirmed that the ongoing promotion of Sinicisation of religions is “the only way” to maintain religious, ethnic, and social harmony in China, and to secure the country’s long-term stability. He underscored the importance of guiding religious leaders—and encouraging them to “take the initiative and reform themselves”—so that doctrine, rituals and institutions better reflect “Chinese characteristics.”
This statement comes amid Xi’s recent visits to Tibet and Xinjiang, two of China’s most sensitive regions in terms of ethnic and religious identity. In these regions, China has long pursued heavy control and surveillance over religious practices, particularly among minority groups such as Tibetans and Uyghur Muslims.
Observers interpret Xi’s remarks as further evidence of Beijing’s deepening efforts to bring all religious activity under state oversight—requiring it to align with the ideology, culture, and authority of the Communist Party.
