The New Regulation on Religion in China

Abstract

In June 2017 the State Council of the People’s Republic of China promulgated the “Regulation on Religious Affairs”. The Regulation replaces its 2004 predecessor and contains various new rules. The author analyses the new Regulation and focuses on the new rules contained therein.

She concludes that the new Regulation is a step in the right direction, especially when it comes to freedom of religion and the rights of religious citizens and religious groups. She adopts a less favourable view, however, as regards certain limitations on religious freedom and as regards the “Sinicisation” of religion.