CCP Expands Control Over Religion With New Online Code of Conduct.
Epoch Times has been known as an unreliable source for facts as noted in
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/epoch-times-falun-gong-growth-rcna111373
So take the following as you see fit.
By Michael Zhuang/The Epoch Times
9/21/2025
"The authorities will also use this as a pretext to target normal religious activities, as a way to suppress human rights,’ a China expert said.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has issued new rules targeting the online activities of religious leaders, further tightening its control over faith groups. Analysts say the measures are a part of the CCP’s broader effort to suppress public expression of religious beliefs and control ordinary citizens.
On Sept. 16, China’s National Religious Affairs Administration released a new code of conduct for the online behavior of religious clergy.
The new code bans religious figures from being involved in “foreign religious infiltration, extremist ideologies, cults, and pseudo-religions.” It also emphasized that religious figures in China must endorse “patriotism, socialism, and the leadership of the CCP.”
New Rules After Shaolin Temple Scandal
Analysts suggest the move may be linked to the recent downfall of Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the famous Shaolin Temple. Shi was expelled from the Buddhist clergy in July and placed under investigation for alleged embezzlement, corruption, and maintaining romantic relationships that resulted in multiple children conceived out of wedlock, which is prohibited in Chinese Buddhism. He was also accused of turning the temple into a money-making machine through ticketed attractions and commercial ventures.
China current affairs commentator Li Linyi told The Epoch Times that although the scandal likely prompted Beijing to act, the new rules go far beyond one man.
“The so-called laws and regulations previously issued by the CCP had no effect on powerful figures like Shi Yongxin, who had political backing,” he said. “Now that Shi has fallen, they have introduced a new regulation. The authorities will also use this as a pretext to target normal religious activities, as a way to suppress human rights and to create new excuses for collecting fines everywhere.”
Wider Net of Control
The new code of conduct prohibits clergy from using online platforms—including live streams, short videos, online meetings, WeChat groups, and even personal social media accounts—to preach, conduct online services, or participate in activities such as prayers, baptisms, or ordinations. It also stresses that online activities must uphold CCP leadership and must not contain content deemed to “subvert state power” or challenge the Party’s authority.
The rules apply not only within mainland China but also to religious personnel from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan and foreign nationals in China.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/epoch-times-falun-gong-growth-rcna111373
So take the following as you see fit.
By Michael Zhuang/The Epoch Times
9/21/2025
"The authorities will also use this as a pretext to target normal religious activities, as a way to suppress human rights,’ a China expert said.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has issued new rules targeting the online activities of religious leaders, further tightening its control over faith groups. Analysts say the measures are a part of the CCP’s broader effort to suppress public expression of religious beliefs and control ordinary citizens.
On Sept. 16, China’s National Religious Affairs Administration released a new code of conduct for the online behavior of religious clergy.
The new code bans religious figures from being involved in “foreign religious infiltration, extremist ideologies, cults, and pseudo-religions.” It also emphasized that religious figures in China must endorse “patriotism, socialism, and the leadership of the CCP.”
New Rules After Shaolin Temple Scandal
Analysts suggest the move may be linked to the recent downfall of Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the famous Shaolin Temple. Shi was expelled from the Buddhist clergy in July and placed under investigation for alleged embezzlement, corruption, and maintaining romantic relationships that resulted in multiple children conceived out of wedlock, which is prohibited in Chinese Buddhism. He was also accused of turning the temple into a money-making machine through ticketed attractions and commercial ventures.
China current affairs commentator Li Linyi told The Epoch Times that although the scandal likely prompted Beijing to act, the new rules go far beyond one man.
“The so-called laws and regulations previously issued by the CCP had no effect on powerful figures like Shi Yongxin, who had political backing,” he said. “Now that Shi has fallen, they have introduced a new regulation. The authorities will also use this as a pretext to target normal religious activities, as a way to suppress human rights and to create new excuses for collecting fines everywhere.”
Wider Net of Control
The new code of conduct prohibits clergy from using online platforms—including live streams, short videos, online meetings, WeChat groups, and even personal social media accounts—to preach, conduct online services, or participate in activities such as prayers, baptisms, or ordinations. It also stresses that online activities must uphold CCP leadership and must not contain content deemed to “subvert state power” or challenge the Party’s authority.
The rules apply not only within mainland China but also to religious personnel from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan and foreign nationals in China.
