China’s Crackdown on Religion: The Sinization of Islam and the Elimination of Beliefs

The Chinese government’s efforts to “Sinicize” religion, particularly Islam, have come under scrutiny following the leak of internal documents outlining plans to control and adapt religious practices to conform to socialist ideals.

President Xi Jinping’s push for the “Sinization of religion” was first mentioned in 2015, coinciding with the implementation of the “Strike Hard Campaign” against violent terrorism, which ultimately led to a crackdown in Xinjiang. The leaked document known as “Document 10” from 2018 details plans to reduce the number of mosques and forbid the use of Arabic, while also mandating that party members must be atheists.

The state-run China Islamic Association has also produced a document titled “Five Year Plan For The Sinisisation Of Islam,” which emphasizes the use of the nation’s common language for preaching and the promotion of state values within mosques.

Critics, including Ma Haiyun, an associate professor at Frostburg State University and a member of the Hui community, argue that the Chinese government’s aim is to eliminate religion altogether in order to maintain control and loyalty among the population.

The Chinese embassy in London has defended its policies, stating that religious freedom is protected by law and that over 20 million Muslims in China are free to practice their religion. They also claim that mosque renovations are necessary to ensure the safety and functionality of religious activities.

Despite these assurances, the leaked documents have raised concerns about the government’s intentions and the impact on religious freedom in China. The debate over the “Sinization of religion” continues to spark controversy and calls for transparency from the Chinese authorities.