China Revises Rules on Foreign Religious Activities to Enhance Oversight and Stability

The WeChat account of Tongzhan Xinyu revealed that the State Administration for Religious Affairs in China has introduced revised regulations to manage the religious activities of foreign nationals within the country. Scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2025, these new rules include five chapters and 38 articles that clarify the guidelines for collective religious activities, religious exchanges, and associated legal responsibilities. This revision comes in response to calls from both local religious organizations and foreign individuals for clearer regulatory frameworks.

An official from the State Administration indicated that violations of religious laws by some foreigners had disrupted social stability and religious harmony. The updated rules are seen as necessary to address the increased number of foreigners visiting China for business or tourism, highlighting the growing interest in religious practices. The previous regulations lacked detailed provisions for administrative approvals, necessitating the need for better clarity regarding the process for holding collective religious activities.

The newly revised rules maintain that while foreigners can conduct various religious activities in registered religious sites, they must operate within the confines of Chinese law. They can hold collective ceremonies at recognized temples or apply for approved temporary locations in the absence of such facilities. Additionally, foreign clergymen are permitted to preach at registered venues with appropriate permission.

In an effort to uphold national security and public order, the revised guidelines clearly prohibit several activities associated with religious extremism. These include interfering with local religious organizations, promoting extremist ideas, or acting against the interests of the Chinese state. Experts, like Wang Jiang from Zhejiang Normal University, suggest that these revisions are essential for protecting public safety against potential threats posed by religious extremism, while also ensuring that legitimate religious practices among foreign nationals can occur without hindrance.