Religious freedom in China

1. Religion is being ‘Sinicized’

President Xi called for the ‘Sinicization’ of religion in 2016, requiring its adaptation to ‘excellent traditional Chinese culture’ and socialist society. In practice, this can mean removal of crosses from churches, destruction of mosques in Xinjiang Province, and control of education to instil anti-religious sentiment. Religions perceived to be more indigenous to China (Han-Buddhism or Taoism, for example) are less targeted by authorities than those seen to be foreign in origin, such as Christianity and Islam.

2. Registration comes with conditions

The Chinese Communist Party applies pressure on churches to join the state-sanctioned Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM). However, churches that register must adapt their services, preaching, and theological education to conform to CCP ideology. National flags are raised, portraits of former CCP Chairmen are displayed, and under 18s are not allowed inside. Many Christians believe these requirements conflict with their faith. Registration is also no guarantee of freedom, with surveillance, doctrinal oversight and arbitrary detention common in the TSPM.

3. The legal framework is used to suppress religious communities.

Religious communities in Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Protestantism and Catholicism are expected to register with state-approved associations. Failure to register is illegal, and can result in harassment, fines or closure.

Under Article 300 of the Criminal Law, groups labelled xie jiao (often translated as ‘evil cults’) are banned. One such criminalised group is the Falun Gong, a peaceful spiritual movement which has been subjected to decades of repression, including arrests, torture and enforced disappearance. There is no legal avenue for groups like the Falun Gong to operate legally.

4. Online religious activity is increasingly dangerous.

As restrictions on physical gatherings increased, many religious communities turned to the internet to meet, worship and share teaching. This was an innovative solution, until regulations introduced in March 2022 severely restricted online religious activity. State control now extends beyond physical churches and into the digital sphere, with measures rigidly enforced against many religious communities across China.

5. Xinjiang cotton is still on the shelves.

One million people are still believed to be held in forced labour and re-education camps in Xinjiang. Yet cotton produced by persecuted Muslim-majority people groups, including Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Tajiks and Uzbeks, is still making its way onto shelves and into wardrobes around the world. The UK reportedly imported £809 million of goods from Xinjiang between July 2024 and June 2025, including T-shirts, toys, toothbrushes and Christmas decorations.