Features of State Religious Policy in Contemporary Chinese Society

The article analyzes the main legislative acts that, along with the Constitution, regulate religious activity in Chinese society. In the People's Republic of China, religious policy is implemented through the State Administration for Religious Affairs 国家宗教事务局 (Guójiā Zōngjiào Shìwùjú). The primary function of this administrative body is to control religious organizations and actively promote the policy of “Religious Sinicization”. It is noted that special state associations are being created to monitor officially recognized religions, serving as a regulatory instrument for the state. Sociological data show some differences in the number of believers and atheists. We have emphasized that the majority of the population identifies themselves as atheists, but nevertheless adheres to certain religious beliefs, often traditional ones. It is concluded that the state consistently pursues a policy of control and regulation of religious organizations through integration with traditional Chinese concepts.