China asks Muslims to oppose religious extremism, reject foreign influence

 BEIJING: China has asked its Muslim population to "resolutely oppose religious extremism" and adhere to the concept of "socialism with Chinese characteristics" while practicing their religion.

               

                A file photo shows Chinese Muslims praying during the evening prayer inside the Huxi mosque in Shanghai (AFP photo)

 The statement came from Wang Zuo'an, chief of the state administration for religious affairs, at the 10th National Congress of Chinese Muslims. Wang indicated that the government was worried about foreign influence over Muslims in China at a time when major acts of terrorism were being carried out by terrorists in different parts of the world.
Wang also expressed concern about new mosques being in Muslim populated areas were copying designs from shrines in foreign countries instead of relying on Chinese traditions in mosque building. New mosques should demonstrate Chinese characteristics and national features, he said.
China's Communist officials have often said that Muslim fundamentalism, which has overseas influence, is responsible for the growth of terrorism in Xinjiang, which borders Pakistan.
The government would disallow any attempt by Muslim religious groups to interfere in the process of governance, Wang said. Any "religious interference" in the fields of politics, justice and education is "intolerable", the official media said on Sunday quoting from Wang's speech.
China has been apprehensive about the rise of Muslim fundamentalism in Pakistan, which borders the western Chinese region of Xinjiang that has a vast Muslim population. Communist leaders have earlier indicated that terror camps in Pakistan have supplied arms and other forms of support to separatists in Xinjiang who occasionally indulge in grave violence.