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Sinicization, Chinafication, or Zhongguohua 

Volume 27, Number 1 • Spring 2025

2025 Spring CS Journal cover for Sinicization Issue

Inside the Issue

A church building in China with a national flag standing in front of it. Developing Chinese religions is not a socio-cultural or religious concern but one of international relations and national security.

Whose Zhongguohua Is It Anyway?

Developing Chinese religions is not a socio-cultural or religious concern but one of international relations and national security.

A Chinese man passing by a traditional Chinese architecture. In recent years, the approach to religious affairs has shifted toward the “Sinicization of Christianity.” This strategy is rooted in two key objectives: “countering infiltration” and “going global.”

Countering Infiltration and Going Global

In recent years, the approach to religious affairs has shifted toward the “Sinicization of Christianity.” This strategy is rooted in two key objectives: “countering infiltration” and “going global.”

The Flag Raising Ceremony at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Sinicization is the UFWD’s agenda for Chinese religious associations. All religions are to be Sinicized, even Taoism. But the challenge of bringing “foreign religions” like Christianity and Islam into the Party’s agenda requires increased effort.

Faith Under Party Rule

Sinicization is the UFWD’s agenda for Chinese religious associations. All religions are to be Sinicized, even Taoism. But the challenge of bringing “foreign religions” like Christianity and Islam into the Party’s agenda requires increased effort.

A street scene in Shanghai, China. Sinicization, Chinafication, or Zhongguohua? Defining the term in question goes to the heart of understanding China’s current policy and its effect upon religious believers.

What’s in a Name?

Sinicization, Chinafication, or Zhongguohua? Defining the term in question goes to the heart of understanding China’s current policy and its effect upon religious believers.