https://www.scmp.com/rss/323827/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Xinlu Liang Xinlu Liang China has passed a new law on ethnic unity, creating a legal framework that analysts say is designed to counter Western ideological influence and provide a statutory mandate for assimilating the country’s minority groups. The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress was formally endorsed by the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, at the end of the annual “two sessions” on Thursday. The law was adopted by a near-unanimous vote of 2,756 in favour, with just three against... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3346348/china-codifies-ethnic-assimilation-new-unity-law-it-counters-west?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3346348/china-codifies-ethnic-assimilation-new-unity-law-it-counters-west?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:04:06 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Katherine Nguyen stood with hands folded and head bowed at the altar of a Buddhist temple in Southern California. Before her were tooth and finger-bone relics believed to belong to Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who is said to have attained enlightenment in India about 2,500 years ago. “To be able to see the Buddha, to get close to him and feel the energy – it’s very special for a Buddhist,” Nguyen said. Every spring, the Wei Mountain Temple in Rosemead, California, publicly... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3345357/what-are-buddhist-relics-bones-teeth-and-pearls-hold-great-power-followers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3345357/what-are-buddhist-relics-bones-teeth-and-pearls-hold-great-power-followers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:15:07 +0000 Ashlyn Chak Ashlyn Chak Tattooing emerged in Hong Kong in the mid-20th century as a service catering to Western soldiers and sailors passing through the then British colony. The demand gave rise to East-meets-West tattoo parlours where customers could choose to be inked with “mystical and exotic” symbols of the East, such as Chinese dragons and phoenixes, or stick with traditional Western motifs like crosses, skulls and daggers. Later, tattoos in Hong Kong became associated with the criminal underworld, as triad... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts/article/3338770/hong-kong-women-tattoo-artists-who-draw-traditional-chinese-culture-ink-differently?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts/article/3338770/hong-kong-women-tattoo-artists-who-draw-traditional-chinese-culture-ink-differently?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:22:41 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng China’s official national Buddhist association has established its first supervisory body less than six months after the high-profile downfall of the “CEO monk”, former Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin. The move to improve oversight of Chinese Buddhist monks’ conduct was announced on Tuesday, a day after the Buddhist Association of China’s (BAC) 11th national congress concluded in Beijing. Shi Zhengci, the abbot of Wuzu Temple in Huangmei county, Hubei province, was elected as the association’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3338165/ceo-monk-scandal-china-creates-new-oversight-body-buddhist-clergy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3338165/ceo-monk-scandal-china-creates-new-oversight-body-buddhist-clergy?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:00:09 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng The Communist Party chief of Henan province has made an impromptu visit to the famed Shaolin Temple, whose former abbot was rounded up on corruption charges earlier this year, and called for a clear boundary between the temple and business. Liu Ning made the comments during his first inspection of the temple on Sunday, according to a report by the official Henan Daily. The visit comes nearly five months after former abbot Shi Yongxin – known as “the CEO monk” – was abruptly removed amid... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3336493/chinas-scandal-hit-shaolin-temple-urged-draw-clear-line-between-business-and-religion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3336493/chinas-scandal-hit-shaolin-temple-urged-draw-clear-line-between-business-and-religion?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:00:18 +0000 Yuanyue Dang Yuanyue Dang Reincarnation must follow Chinese laws and be endorsed by Beijing, Tibetan Buddhist leader Panchen Lama has said in an apparent reference to the succession of the Dalai Lama. Speaking at an official symposium in Shigatse on Monday, the Panchen Lama – the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism after only the Dalai Lama – stated that reincarnated “living Buddhas” must be identified within China and approved by the central government. This must be done “without any interference or control from... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3335933/panchen-lama-says-reincarnation-must-follow-chinese-laws-be-endorsed-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3335933/panchen-lama-says-reincarnation-must-follow-chinese-laws-be-endorsed-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Dec 2025 01:00:13 +0000 SCMP SCMP This article was first published on December 5, 1970 By Staff reporters A red letter day for Hong Kong Catholics The 73-year-old pontiff, looking fit in spite of his strenuous Asian tour, responded warmly. At times he stretched out his arms in a symbol of loving embrace, at others he blessed the crowds gathered to see him. He seemed especially pleased by the spontaneous gaiety of the greeting which 20,000 Catholic children gave him at the Happy Valley Racecourse to which he was taken by... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3334795/pope-visits-hong-kong-3-hours-1970-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3334795/pope-visits-hong-kong-3-hours-1970-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:30:11 +0000 Meredith Chen Meredith Chen Local authorities have formally approved the arrest of the former head of China’s famous Shaolin Temple, four months after he was placed under criminal investigation for alleged financial and sex scandals. Shi Yongxin’s arrest had been approved “on suspicion of embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, and accepting bribes as a non-state functionary”, the Xinxiang Procuratorate announced in a statement on Sunday. Xinxiang, in China’s central Henan province, is about two hours’ drive from the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3332977/disgraced-shaolin-temple-abbot-shi-yongxin-closer-prosecution-over-money-scandals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3332977/disgraced-shaolin-temple-abbot-shi-yongxin-closer-prosecution-over-money-scandals?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Nov 2025 09:02:48 +0000 Wee Kek Koon Wee Kek Koon In September, predictions that the “Rapture” would occur on the 23rd and 24th went viral. Convinced that the end was nigh, some Christians resigned from their jobs, liquidated belongings or skipped exams in preparation for the great ascent. There were plenty of red faces all around when the days came and went without millions of people vanishing into thin air. The Rapture, as conceived by certain groups of Christians, is a dramatic prelude to the end times, when the faithful are suddenly lifted... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3328473/how-ancient-chinese-sects-have-foretold-rapture-divine-ends-millennia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3328473/how-ancient-chinese-sects-have-foretold-rapture-divine-ends-millennia?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Oct 2025 00:15:09 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for further enactment of law and regulation, as well as stricter law enforcement, in religious affairs in a push to Sinicise religions in the country, according to state media. Xi made the remark on Monday while presiding over a group study session of the ruling Communist Party’s Politburo. “Governing religious affairs in accordance with the law is the fundamental way to properly handle various contradictions and problems in the religious field,” he said,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3327362/xi-calls-religion-align-ethnic-and-social-harmony-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3327362/xi-calls-religion-align-ethnic-and-social-harmony-china?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:00:43 +0000 Ashlyn Chak Ashlyn Chak To understand Chinese culture, it is necessary to go back to the very beginning of its civilisation. In this series, we look at the most influential dynasties in Chinese history and how each, with its technological inventions and cultural advancements, helped propel the nation forward. Ancient China is one of the six cradles of early civilisation, alongside Mesoamerica, the ancient Andes, Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt and ancient India. The civilisations of these places laid the foundation for... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3326647/how-chinas-first-3-dynasties-shaped-chinese-culture-and-society-writing-religion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3326647/how-chinas-first-3-dynasties-shaped-chinese-culture-and-society-writing-religion?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Sep 2025 23:15:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Stability is the foundation for progress in the world of diplomacy. Newly elected Pope Leo XIV has raised hopes for the constructive development of Beijing-Vatican ties, after he affirmed the importance of maintaining communication with the mainland Chinese authorities and pledged to follow the direction set by the late Pope Francis. Even though a substantive breakthrough in ties might take time, hopefully the continuity can strengthen mutual respect and goodwill. The Holy See’s commitment was... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3324433/cardinals-meeting-pope-good-sign-sino-vatican-relations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3324433/cardinals-meeting-pope-good-sign-sino-vatican-relations?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Sep 2025 23:15:07 +0000 Edith Lin,Willa Wu Edith Lin,Willa Wu Newly elected Pope Leo XIV has recognised the importance of maintaining communication with mainland Chinese authorities and will follow the course set by his predecessor regarding Beijing-Vatican ties, Hong Kong’s Catholic bishop has revealed. Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan disclosed the details in an article published in Catholic newspaper the Sunday Examiner on Thursday, two days after his first significant meeting with the new pontiff since taking part in the conclave in May. The meeting, held... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3324272/pope-leo-xiv-pledges-commitment-beijing-vatican-ties-hong-kong-cardinal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3324272/pope-leo-xiv-pledges-commitment-beijing-vatican-ties-hong-kong-cardinal?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Sep 2025 03:21:53 +0000 Wee Kek Koon Wee Kek Koon Besides its famed martial arts techniques, the Shaolin Temple is usually portrayed as showing the peak of moral leadership over the denizens of jianghu, the “rivers and lakes” – a parallel universe of martial arts schools, secret societies and religious fraternities – in novels, television dramas and films. It is, therefore, a shock to many that Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the Shaolin Temple, is facing an official investigation for financial and sexual misconduct. To restore the reputation... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3323552/shaolin-temple-scandal-would-have-led-far-harsher-reactions-ancient-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3323552/shaolin-temple-scandal-would-have-led-far-harsher-reactions-ancient-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:45:08 +0000 Phoebe Zhang Phoebe Zhang Buddhists should obey the law, be patriotic, pay taxes and “play an active role in building the nation and society”, China’s Buddhist regulator said on Tuesday, speaking out for the second time this month about the disgraced abbot of Shaolin Temple. In a statement on its website, the Buddhist Association of China said that Shi Yongxin, the former abbot, had misappropriated and embezzled funds and temple assets, violated Buddhist regulations, and was suspected of criminal offences. “This has... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3322500/after-shaolin-temple-scandal-chinas-buddhists-urged-obey-law-and-pay-taxes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3322500/after-shaolin-temple-scandal-chinas-buddhists-urged-obey-law-and-pay-taxes?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Aug 2025 08:09:53 +0000 Meredith Chen Meredith Chen China’s fabled Shaolin Temple, nestled in forest at the foot of a holy mountain in Henan province, is known as the cradle of kung fu and Zen buddhism. The 1,500-year-old monastery is also at the centre of scandal as its long-time celebrity abbot Shi Yongxin is investigated over alleged financial offences and sexual misconduct. Tourists and disciples continue to stream through the temple gates in Dengfeng, taking photos, lighting incense, bowing reverently in prayer and watching energetic kung fu... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3321438/shaolins-ceo-monk-scandal-may-prompt-overhaul-how-temples-are-run-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3321438/shaolins-ceo-monk-scandal-may-prompt-overhaul-how-temples-are-run-china?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Aug 2025 22:00:16 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification A new Chinese film recounting the Nanking massacre has prompted a national reckoning with history. In its first week in release, Dead to Rights grossed 814 million yuan (US$113 million) and achieved... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3320466/nanking-massacre-film-speaks-resilience-ordinary-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3320466/nanking-massacre-film-speaks-resilience-ordinary-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Aug 2025 03:30:15 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Its unique blend of Buddhism and martial arts training over the centuries has not just earned the Shaolin Temple an iconic status among China’s cultural treasures, it is also one of the country’s best-known global brands and sources of soft power, inspiring generations of followers and visitors who appreciate its Chinese and world heritage. Every effort must be made to preserve it. The alleged embezzlement and sexual misconduct involving Shi Yongxin, head of the temple, does nothing for the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3320249/investigation-shaolin-temples-ceo-monk-chance-clear-air?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3320249/investigation-shaolin-temples-ceo-monk-chance-clear-air?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Jul 2025 22:45:08 +0000 Dannie Peng,Meredith Chen,William Zheng Dannie Peng,Meredith Chen,William Zheng China has appointed a new abbot to the Shaolin Temple, two days after authorities at the Buddhist monastery announced that Shi Yongxin, its head monk for more than 25 years, was under investigation for alleged financial and sex scandals. The abbot of White Horse Temple, Shi Yinle, will replace him, according to a brief statement from the Shaolin Temple on Tuesday. “In accordance with the regulations on the appointment of abbots of Chinese Buddhist Temples, after democratic evaluation and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3319996/chinas-famous-shaolin-temple-gets-new-abbot-after-predecessor-removed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3319996/chinas-famous-shaolin-temple-gets-new-abbot-after-predecessor-removed?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:13:53 +0000 Xinlu Liang Xinlu Liang Companies linked to Shi Yongxin, the disgraced head of China’s renowned Shaolin Temple, have been deregistered, and his Buddhist credentials revoked – with authorities citing “severe damage” caused to the image of the order. The swift move to erase the institutional footprint of the abbot of China’s most famous Buddhist sanctuary came a day after temple authorities said Shi was under investigation for criminal charges, including embezzling funds and temple assets. The Buddhist Association of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3319829/chinas-shaolin-temple-scandal-disgraced-head-monk-defrocked-firms-deregistered?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3319829/chinas-shaolin-temple-scandal-disgraced-head-monk-defrocked-firms-deregistered?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Jul 2025 08:03:21 +0000 Dannie Peng Dannie Peng The abbot of China’s famous Shaolin Temple is under investigation for criminal offences including embezzling project funds and temple assets, according to a statement released by the Buddhist sanctuary on Sunday. Shi Yongxin, head of one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in the world, is suspected of seriously violating Buddhist precepts and is currently under joint investigation by multiple departments, the statement added. The temple also accused Shi of maintaining improper relationships... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3319758/head-chinas-world-famous-buddhist-sanctuary-shaolin-temple-under-criminal-investigation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3319758/head-chinas-world-famous-buddhist-sanctuary-shaolin-temple-under-criminal-investigation?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Jul 2025 12:30:28 +0000 Yating Yang Yating Yang A monk at a sacred temple who rejected an offering of rice from an elderly couple because it was too small has sparked widespread public outrage. On June 26, an elderly couple respectfully placed a bag of rice on the offering table inside a temple on Mount Wutai, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in China. The religious venue is located at the headwaters of the Qingshui River in Shanxi province, northern China. However, the couple were harshly condemned by a monk in a yellow robe, who... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3316854/public-outrage-china-monk-berates-elderly-couple-too-small-rice-donation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3316854/public-outrage-china-monk-berates-elderly-couple-too-small-rice-donation?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Jul 2025 06:00:08 +0000 Xinlu Liang Xinlu Liang Beijing said the succession of the Dalai Lama should be in accordance with tradition and Chinese law, in a swift rejection of a plan announced by the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader. The comment was made hours later after the 14th Dalai Lama said his office – the Gaden Phodrang Trust – held the sole authority to recognise the next Dalai Lama. On Wednesday, four days ahead of his 90th birthday, he posted a statement to X discussing the future of the Tibetan spiritual leadership, particularly his... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3316626/beijing-says-dalai-lamas-succession-plan-breaks-tradition-tensions-set-rise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3316626/beijing-says-dalai-lamas-succession-plan-breaks-tradition-tensions-set-rise?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:06:58 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng The head of China’s United Front Work Department, the Communist Party body that oversees religious organisations, has warned faith groups to guard against “hidden dangers in the religious field and resolutely resist foreign infiltration”. Li Ganjie visited a number of religious organisations this week to deliver the warning, state news agency Xinhua reported. It follows a series of similar warnings by senior figures, including President Xi Jinping, who called for continued efforts to promote the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3315289/chinese-religious-groups-warned-hidden-danger-foreign-infiltration?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3315289/chinese-religious-groups-warned-hidden-danger-foreign-infiltration?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Jun 2025 06:00:20 +0000 Xinlu Liang Xinlu Liang China’s top security official has called for the defeat of “separatism” during a trip to Qinghai province, birthplace of the exiled Dalai Lama, three weeks before the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader is expected to announce his succession plan. During a three-day inspection tour of the northwestern province that ended on Sunday, Chen Wenqing, secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission and a member of the 24-strong Politburo, said political and legal bodies must fully... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3314812/china-warns-against-separatism-moves-ahead-dalai-lamas-expected-succession-decree?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3314812/china-warns-against-separatism-moves-ahead-dalai-lamas-expected-succession-decree?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:14:37 +0000 Finbarr Bermingham Finbarr Bermingham During thorny human rights talks with China on Friday, the European Union voiced concerns about what it called a “deterioration of fundamental freedoms” in the country. The EU cited “government interference” in the succession plan for the Dalai Lama, an ongoing crackdown in Hong Kong, and jailed Uygur and Tibetan activists as examples in its statement on the 40th edition of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels. The bloc accused China of “persistent restrictions on freedom of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3314459/eu-warns-deterioration-fundamental-freedoms-china-during-human-rights-talks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3314459/eu-warns-deterioration-fundamental-freedoms-china-during-human-rights-talks?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Jun 2025 11:02:53 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung The leader of Hong Kong’s Catholics has emphasised the need to maintain a “better understanding” and “better relationship” between the Vatican and mainland China, saying that such “bridge-building” under the late Pope Francis should continue. Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, who is in Rome preparing for the coming conclave that starts on Wednesday to elect a new pope, acknowledged that some Catholics disliked the Vatican-Beijing agreement struck under Francis over the appointment of bishops on the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3308964/beijing-vatican-ties-built-under-pope-must-be-maintained-hong-kong-cardinal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3308964/beijing-vatican-ties-built-under-pope-must-be-maintained-hong-kong-cardinal?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 May 2025 10:55:18 +0000 Curation Team Curation Team Here are five pieces from Post Magazine’s long-running column Reflections by Wee Kek Koon that look at the Chinese Bible’s impact on Mandarin, the forgotten Kaifeng Jews, the journey of Islam in China and how one Hong Xiuquan, who thought he was Jesus Christ’s brother, started the Taiping Rebellion. 1. When a man calling himself Jesus’ brother led the Taiping Rebellion, which saw 20 million Chinese die and doomed the Qing dynasty Read the fascinating tale of Hong Xiuquan, who claimed to be Jesus... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3308230/chinas-religious-history-features-western-faiths-christianity-judaism-and-islam-and-cult-sparked?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3308230/chinas-religious-history-features-western-faiths-christianity-judaism-and-islam-and-cult-sparked?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:00:14 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong About 1,000 people flocked to Hong Kong’s main Catholic cathedral for the late Pope Francis’ requiem mass on Monday evening, with mourners at the service hearing of the pontiff’s “deep care and concern about the church in China”. Retired Cardinal John Tong Hon, who presided over the 1½-hour mass at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Central, recounted his past meetings with the pontiff during the service. Congregants also offered up prayers for the late pope and sang hymns. Among the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3308258/pope-francis-cared-deeply-church-china-hong-kong-mourners-hear?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3308258/pope-francis-cared-deeply-church-china-hong-kong-mourners-hear?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:36:13 +0000 Finbarr Bermingham Finbarr Bermingham The European Union will not remove sanctions on Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, even as Beijing moves to lift some of its retaliatory sanctions on EU lawmakers. The Post reported earlier that China and the European Parliament were in the “final stages” of lifting the punitive measures on sitting members, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks. However a spokeswoman for the EU’s diplomatic arm, which oversees foreign policy and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3307817/china-eases-eu-lawmakers-brussels-stays-course-xinjiang-sanctions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3307817/china-eases-eu-lawmakers-brussels-stays-course-xinjiang-sanctions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:51:12 +0000 Beijing highlighted “constructive” relations with the Vatican under Pope Francis in sending condolences on Tuesday after the pontiff’s death a day earlier. China and the Holy See made advances in recent years, notably signing a provisional agreement in 2018 on the appointment of bishops in China. This was most recently extended by four years in 2024. Still, China is yet to persuade the Vatican to switch official diplomatic recognition from the Republic of China, or Taiwan, to the People’s... https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3307593/china-vatican-relations-uncertain-cardinals-prepare-select-successor-pope-francis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3307593/china-vatican-relations-uncertain-cardinals-prepare-select-successor-pope-francis?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:09:32 +0000 Ng Kang-chung,Cannix Yau,Oscar Liu Ng Kang-chung,Cannix Yau,Oscar Liu The Hong Kong Catholic Church has said it will continue to serve as a bridge between mainland China and the Holy See, while observers expect the local diocese to further foster the more harmonious Sino-Vatican ties built by Pope Francis, who died on Monday. Expressing condolences over the pope’s death, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that Beijing and the Vatican had maintained constructive contact and conducted friendly exchanges, and the central government was willing to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3307510/church-hong-kong-expected-remain-bridge-between-vatican-and-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3307510/church-hong-kong-expected-remain-bridge-between-vatican-and-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:30:12 +0000 Beijing on Tuesday expressed condolences over the death of Pope Francis and reiterated its willingness to continue improving relations with the Vatican. But experts caution that the future of relations remains uncertain, given unresolved critical issues including whether the Vatican will formally recognise Beijing over Taiwan, and with a landmark agreement on appointing bishops still largely dependent on the next pope. China’s foreign ministry on Tuesday emphasised the “constructive” momentum in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3307498/china-condoles-death-pope-francis-seeks-continued-progress-vatican-ties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3307498/china-condoles-death-pope-francis-seeks-continued-progress-vatican-ties?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:00:09 +0000 The semi-official China Islamic Association has removed its traditional Arabic-style green logo featuring stars above a mosque dome from both its website and social media account as Beijing pushes the sinicisation of religions in China. The rebrand, which features a simpler blue logo, could alienate ordinary Muslims and provoke a sense of cultural erasure and suspicion, undermining the integration of Islam within mainstream Chinese society, analysts have warned. On February 21, the group’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3302356/what-does-china-islamic-associations-rebrand-reveal-about-beijings-integration-drive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3302356/what-does-china-islamic-associations-rebrand-reveal-about-beijings-integration-drive?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Mar 2025 12:00:08 +0000 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday announced sanctions against officials from Thailand, a US ally, for their role in deporting at least 40 Uygurs to China, where Washington says the members of the Muslim group will face persecution. The US is “committed to combating China’s efforts to pressure governments to forcibly return Uygurs and other groups to China, where they are subject to torture and enforced disappearances”, the US State Department said in a statement. The move appeared... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3302485/us-hits-thai-officials-visa-sanctions-over-deportation-uygurs-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3302485/us-hits-thai-officials-visa-sanctions-over-deportation-uygurs-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:06:36 +0000 Dave Besseling Dave Besseling “The Roman Catholic bishop of Hongkong, the Most Rev John Baptist Wu, will head a five-member delegation to China soon at the invitation of the Chinese Government,” reported the South China Morning Post on March 14, 1985. “Bishop Wu will be the first Catholic Bishop from Hongkong to visit China officially since the communists took power in 1949. This visit is seen as a significant step by both sides to begin a dialogue despite Peking’s opposition to the Vatican’s diplomatic ties with... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3302334/when-john-baptist-wu-was-first-hong-kong-bishop-visit-china-1949?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3302334/when-john-baptist-wu-was-first-hong-kong-bishop-visit-china-1949?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:00:23 +0000 The fourth most senior official in China’s ruling Communist Party, who oversees the country’s national political advisory body, has called for efforts to “ensure law-based management of religious affairs” to make sure that religious activities are “legal, safe and orderly”. Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks on Thursday during group discussions with the CPPCC’s religious leaders, according to state news agency Xinhua. “[We... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3301452/cppcc-chief-wang-huning-calls-safe-and-orderly-religious-activities-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3301452/cppcc-chief-wang-huning-calls-safe-and-orderly-religious-activities-report?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:24:00 +0000 Yating Yang Yating Yang A unique Chinese ritual called Fan Cichuang, which literally means “rolling across thorny beds,” sees half-naked participants rolling across beds made of thorny branches, has captured attention in the run up to the Lunar New Year. Designated as an intangible cultural heritage in Guangdong province, southern China, and dubbed “the most brutal Lunar New Year folk custom”, the ritual is a popular celebratory practice in Zhanjiang during Nianli, or the Lunar New Year Fair. Nianli often coincides... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3295052/china-ritual-sees-villagers-rolling-thorn-bed-suffering-cuts-connect-deities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3295052/china-ritual-sees-villagers-rolling-thorn-bed-suffering-cuts-connect-deities?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:00:09 +0000 While doomscrolling one sleepless evening I came across the Epicurean paradox, which argues that a deity who is simultaneously all-knowing, all-powerful and all-loving cannot exist. Attributed to Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270BC), the paradox uses human logic to demonstrate the impossibility for such a god to coexist with evil in the world. In a nutshell, a god who is all-knowing and all-powerful but does not use their omniscience and omnipotence to eradicate evil is not all that... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3293234/can-there-really-be-god-confucius-did-not-care-about-divine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3293234/can-there-really-be-god-confucius-did-not-care-about-divine?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Jan 2025 00:15:07 +0000 At least one Uygur was allowed to leave China as part of a sensitive deal between Washington and Beijing last week, according to the White House and the woman’s US-based son. In a statement to The New York Times, which first reported news of the Uygur release, the US National Security Council said it was “pleased Ayshem Mamut is home with her family” in the United States, naming one of the three Uygurs reportedly freed by Beijing. Mamut is the mother of high-profile Uygur activist Nury Turkel,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3289229/3-uygurs-freed-part-us-china-prisoner-exchange-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3289229/3-uygurs-freed-part-us-china-prisoner-exchange-report?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Dec 2024 19:59:19 +0000 China and the Vatican have agreed to extend an agreement concerning the appointment of Chinese bishops, the two parties said on Tuesday. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular press briefing in Beijing that both parties had decided to extend the agreement by four years after “friendly consultations”. “The two sides will maintain talks with a constructive spirit and continue to promote the improvement of China-Vatican relations,” Lin said. Separately, the Vatican said it... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3283452/china-and-vatican-agree-extend-deal-bishop-appointments-4-more-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3283452/china-and-vatican-agree-extend-deal-bishop-appointments-4-more-years?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Oct 2024 01:47:16 +0000 Earlier this month, I met several friends from Hong Kong in Chiang Mai over the long Mid-Autumn Festival weekend. The last time I visited this northern Thai city was more than 30 years ago in 1992. It was a short holiday – we only had two full days – so we did not do much apart from having delicious meals and daily spa treatments, which is not a bad way to spend a weekend. A visit to a Buddhist temple nestled in the woods had been scheduled, but the plan fell through, which is a shame because I... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3279883/how-did-china-avoid-wars-religion-foreign-and-native-faiths-found-ways-coexist?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3279883/how-did-china-avoid-wars-religion-foreign-and-native-faiths-found-ways-coexist?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Sep 2024 00:15:07 +0000 Yating Yang Yating Yang A 61-year-old woman in Taiwan took a statue of the deity Guiguzi from a temple and swapped it for an ancient Chinese scholar Lv Dongbin. The incident unfolded on September 11, when staff at Chenghuang Temple in Yilan, Taiwan, were stunned to discover that the statue of the deity had been replaced with the legendary scholar and poet. While the two statues were similar in size and had almost identical hats and long beards, they were different colours and held different objects, according to United... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3279112/taiwan-woman-61-creates-panic-after-secretly-taking-temple-statue-home-diy-makeover?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3279112/taiwan-woman-61-creates-panic-after-secretly-taking-temple-statue-home-diy-makeover?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Sep 2024 06:00:14 +0000 Pope Francis declared on Friday that China was “a promise and a hope” for the Catholic Church, offering extensive praise for Beijing at the end of a four-nation tour through Asia and again expressed hope to one day visit. Francis’ comments, during an in-flight press conference en route home from Singapore, came as the Vatican enters into the final weeks of negotiations to renew a 2018 agreement over the contentious issue of bishop nominations. Francis declared himself “happy” with the process,... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3278497/pope-makes-new-overture-china-calls-beijing-promise-and-hope-catholic-church?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3278497/pope-makes-new-overture-china-calls-beijing-promise-and-hope-catholic-church?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Sep 2024 19:44:21 +0000 Senior Buddhist figures in China have emphasised the importance of government approval in the recognition of reincarnated Tibetan religious leaders, at a meeting this week less than a year before the Dalai Lama is expected to announce his succession plan. More than 50 Tibetan Buddhist monks and religious experts attended a seminar in Lanzhou, Gansu province, on Tuesday about policies and regulations for the “reincarnation of living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism”, according to Tibet.cn, an official... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3277343/chinas-tibetan-buddhists-urged-obey-reincarnation-rules-dalai-lama-mulls-successor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3277343/chinas-tibetan-buddhists-urged-obey-reincarnation-rules-dalai-lama-mulls-successor?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Sep 2024 04:00:12 +0000 Two years after a landmark UN report said Chinese government policies in Xinjiang “may constitute crimes against humanity”, the body’s top human rights office says “many problematic laws and policies remain in place” in the region. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said that while it has held “detailed exchanges” with Beijing on a “range of critical” human rights issues, it still faced “difficulties posed by limited access to information and the fear of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3276158/chinas-problematic-laws-remain-xinjiang-two-years-after-damning-report-un?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3276158/chinas-problematic-laws-remain-xinjiang-two-years-after-damning-report-un?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Aug 2024 15:48:15 +0000 When someone says they are going to Phuket, a reel in your head starts playing images of beautiful beaches, seawater so clear you can see your toes, that gorgeous bay with the limestone karsts whose name you cannot recall, and humans of all shapes and colours laid out in the sand. We steered clear of all that on a recent weekend in Phuket. Instead, we explored the island’s Old Town, which I have long known about but never visited. For visitors from Malaysia and Singapore, Phuket Old Town looks... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3270992/chinese-peranakans-southeast-asia-are-proof-there-can-be-gains-amid-cultural-loss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3270992/chinese-peranakans-southeast-asia-are-proof-there-can-be-gains-amid-cultural-loss?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Jul 2024 23:45:08 +0000 Kevin McSpadden Kevin McSpadden In 1669, the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) Emperor Kangxi (r. 1661-1722) made a radical decision and set the wheels in motion for Catholicism to be officially recognised and protected in China. As the religion became newly acceptable across the mainland, it began to blend with the local beliefs already flourishing in China, specifically Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and local folk religions. A study published in the Journal of Chinese Theology in June analysed the similarities and differences... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3268823/good-vs-evil-how-17th-century-introduction-catholicism-impacted-chinese-beliefs-retribution?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3268823/good-vs-evil-how-17th-century-introduction-catholicism-impacted-chinese-beliefs-retribution?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Jul 2024 06:00:08 +0000 Recently, on the sad occasion of the death of a friend’s father, I came across the Baitiangong Universal Spiritual Movement, a new religious movement with members in Malaysia and Singapore. Baitiangong, literally “worshipping the Lord of Heaven” in Mandarin, was founded by Chew Choon Ming (1936-2000) almost 50 years ago in Malaysia. After receiving a series of visions in February 1976, Chew, whom followers address as Xian Sheng (“Teacher”), began preaching a syncretic belief system, whose... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/short-reads/article/3268732/man-calling-himself-jesus-younger-brother-whose-taiping-rebellion-doomed-qing-dynasty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/short-reads/article/3268732/man-calling-himself-jesus-younger-brother-whose-taiping-rebellion-doomed-qing-dynasty?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jul 2024 23:45:09 +0000 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Hong Kong must confront the barriers hijab-wearing Muslim women face in securing employment and fully participating in public life. The recent case of Saana Qalsoom, a qualified Hong Kong graduate... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3263656/hong-kong-should-uphold-muslim-womens-right-wear-hijab?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3263656/hong-kong-should-uphold-muslim-womens-right-wear-hijab?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 May 2024 03:30:10 +0000