(Beijing – August 25, 2024) A notice has surfaced online concerning the scrutiny of Chinese students’ religious beliefs during their summer trips abroad.
The notice, obtained by China Aid Association, appears to be forwarded from authorities in high positions to the parents of students. The content reads: “To prevent foreign religious infiltration, please closely monitor students going abroad for summer vacation. If any students are found participating in summer camps abroad or if any unusual circumstances are discovered, please report immediately to the Education and Sports Bureau’s Party Building Office of the District. Thank you, @everyone.”
For security reasons, the notice does not include a header or footer.
Summer vacation is a period when students travel abroad for tourism or participate in overseas summer programs. Chinese authorities control students’ religious freedom by requiring parents and schools to participate in supervision. The content of this notice conflicts with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that children’s rights to freedom of thought, belief, and religion should be respected.
The Chinese government defines foreign religious infiltration as attempts by external forces to subvert the Communist Party’s rule and socialist system, and to undermine national unity.
In a 2016 religious work conference, Xi Jinping emphasized that religious issues are a “major issue that must be handled well” for the Communist Party’s governance, “related to national security and national unity.” Xi called for “resolute resistance to foreign attempts to infiltrate through religion and prevention of religious extremism.”
Since the beginning of Xi Jinping’s administration, there has been a clear regulation prohibiting the spread of religion or religious activities in schools, and banning anyone under 18 from entering churches.
Pastor Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid Association, commented on social media platform X: “So paranoid that even the students’ summer camps abroad bring about fear?”
