China's policies towards religion.
The past two years have seen significant developments in China’s policy towards religion. A landmark deal was reached with the Vatican last year over the appointment of bishops. Unregistered Protestant churches have been closed. Islamic practices have been banned or penalised, and Muslims detained in large numbers.
Religion will be an enduring point of tension with the United States, given the importance of religion in US politics.
Most Muslim countries value relations with China more than religious solidarity; many fear religious extremism as much as Beijing does.
State repression of religion often highlighted in the Western media is real, but not representative.
Policies in Tibet and Xinjiang are far more repressive than elsewhere in China because of religion’s connection with ethnic nationalism.
