China's government is ranked as the most religiously oppressive globally, according to a study conducted by Pew Research Center [7fb694b2]. The study found that China has imposed restrictions on religion in 20 key categories, including banning religious publications, broadcasting, and worship. The government formally bans religious groups, denouncing them as cults or sects, and is physically hostile towards minority or non-approved religious groups. China also limits public preaching, proselytizing, conversions, religious literature, and broadcasting. China ranks highest on Pew's 10-point Government Relations Index. Among the 25 largest countries studied, China, Russia, Iran, Egypt, and Indonesia had the highest levels of government restrictions on religion. In contrast, the United States was ranked as having 'moderate' levels of governmental persecution, although no specifics were provided [7fb694b2].
China's crackdown on religious practices extends to the Xinjiang region, where President Xi Jinping has implemented policies to exert state control over religion and promote the Sinicization of religions. In addition to the mosque consolidation policy, China has now targeted weddings, funerals, and other cultural and religious activities in Xinjiang. The retroactive application of laws has led to the prosecution of Muslim community leaders and the criminalization of routine Islamic practices. The court verdict of Nurlan Pioner, a religious leader sentenced to 17 years in prison, provides insight into the extent of the crackdown and the suppression of minority cultures in Xinjiang [e15c14c1].
Since the crackdown began in 2017, approximately 1 million Uyghurs and Kazakhs have been sent to various forms of detention. Prosecutions in Xinjiang have skyrocketed, with over 615,000 people formally prosecuted since 2017. The court system in Xinjiang has shifted its role to focus on 'prevention' and 'de-radicalization' measures, further eroding religious freedom and cultural practices. Party officials now control routine cultural and religious activities, such as weddings and funerals. Books and publications related to Islam and Uyghur culture have been deemed illegal, leading to mass book burnings and the destruction of cultural artifacts. The new normal in Xinjiang is characterized by surveillance, state control, and the suppression of minority cultures [e15c14c1].
This crackdown on religious practices in Xinjiang could create difficulties for Iran, which entered into a 25-year strategic partnership with China in 2021. Iran may face challenges in justifying its partnership with an anti-Muslim regime to its own people. Furthermore, China's anti-Muslim trajectory could have broader implications, potentially signaling an alliance against Islam and affecting China's foreign strategy, including its relationship with India [6f1cb96b] [7fb694b2].
Meanwhile, Cuba has also returned to 'hardline tactics' in its crackdown on religious freedom, according to a report by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) [182493d7]. The report highlights over 600 religious freedom violations in Cuba in 2023, following a crackdown on religious groups and leaders by the communist Cuban government. The report, titled 'Repression and resistance — a return to hardline tactics,' documents repressive legislation and systematic human rights violations against various faiths, including Afro-Cuban groups, Jehovah's Witnesses, Protestants, and Roman Catholics. The government has targeted religious leaders and individuals who offer support to families of political prisoners, resulting in harassment, fines, and confiscation of aid. Unregistered religious groups have faced regular harassment and threats of fines. The government's tactics have led to a notable emigration wave as Cubans flee the island, citing threats of imprisonment and coercive measures against their families. The crackdown on religious freedom follows the July 2021 protests in which thousands of Cubans expressed frustration with the government's handling of the economy, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lack of political freedoms. The Cuban government is the primary persecutor of Christians in the country, viewing the Christian faith as a threat. Churches must register to operate legally, but the government may deny or ignore applications, forcing churches to function illicitly and risk closure or penalties. Recommendations for the Cuban government include amending the constitution and legal frameworks to enhance protections for freedom of religion or belief, ratifying international human rights treaties, and ceasing harassment and threats against religious leaders and human rights advocates. Cuba is designated as a 'country of particular concern' for religious freedom by the U.S. State Department.
Russia banned Jehovah's Witnesses on April 20, 2017, leading to the persecution and imprisonment of hundreds of believers. The ban has resulted in over 2,090 homes raided, 802 individuals charged, and 421 people imprisoned. The maximum prison sentence is 8 years, and over 500 individuals have been added to Russia's federal list of extremists/terrorists since the ban. The persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia is seen as a prelude to large-scale Stalinist oppression. The ban was a result of Russia's Federal Law 'On Combating Extremist Activity,' which was amended to target religious groups. The repression of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia is reminiscent of the Soviet-era repression they faced. In April 1951, Operation North resulted in the mass deportation of Jehovah's Witnesses to Siberia, where they faced harsh conditions and separation from their families. Despite the persecution, Jehovah's Witnesses have historically outlasted the persecuting regime and continue to hold to their convictions. [f20154d1].
China is reversing its crackdown on some religions, particularly Buddhism and Taoism, while continuing to suppress Islam and Christianity. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is concerned about the foreign affiliations of Islam and Christianity, viewing them as undesirable. In contrast, Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions are seen as indigenous faiths with fewer overseas ties. The CCP's support for traditional faiths is driven by the need for new sources of legitimacy and a return to traditional values. The state has provided subsidies and endorsements for temples, pilgrimages, and folk religious practices. However, state regulations on religion, such as banning minors from entering places of worship, and the display of national flags at temples, demonstrate the state's control and influence over religious activities. The CCP's embrace of religion draws on China's imperial past and the lessons of modern authoritarian states. By endorsing traditions, the CCP seeks to compensate for problems at home and maintain stability [391075e8].
Pope Francis has compromised on religious freedom to hold the Church together. He has been more conciliatory to the People's Republic of China than any of his predecessors. The Vatican negotiated an agreement with the Chinese government in 2018 on the appointment of bishops, which has led to restrictions on the religious freedom of Chinese Catholics. The agreement came at the expense of China's underground Church, which is now being told by the Vatican to join the state-controlled Church. The Vatican achieved its primary goal of reducing the risk of schism, but Catholicism in China is not flourishing. Resistance rather than compromise makes for a vital Church. The Vatican's conciliatory approach has demoralized Chinese Catholics and reduced their freedom to evangelize. The Vatican's silence on China's human rights violations, including the treatment of Uyghur Muslims, has drawn criticism. The agreement on bishops is temporary and requires renewal every two years [0a0234f5].
New religious regulations in Xinjiang stipulate that mosques should look Chinese and religious figures should behave patriotically. David Rennie, The Economist's Beijing bureau chief, visited the region to find out if people are still allowed to fast during Ramadan and whether mosques are being destroyed. The podcast explores the impact of the regulations on Uyghurs' religious freedom [e061391b].