Kathmandu, July 1. International attention has been drawn to the prominent inclusion of President Xi Jinping's political ideology in Islamic religious training programs organized in China.
According to various reports, imams and Muslim religious leaders participating in training programs conducted in various provinces of China have been given special training on Chinese Communist Party policies, national unity, and President Xi's governance philosophy alongside Islamic education.
Chinese officials have explained this as an effort to conduct religious activities in accordance with national laws, maintain social stability, and prevent extremism. According to the government, a policy has been implemented requiring all religions to develop in alignment with the Chinese constitution and national interests.
However, international human rights organizations have alleged that such practices have further increased control over religious freedom. They have expressed concern, stating that state surveillance and ideological control are increasing, particularly in the Uyghur Muslim-majority region of Xinjiang and over other Muslim communities.
According to analysts, China has been further strengthening its strategy to operate religious institutions in accordance with state policy. This has once again intensified the international debate surrounding religious freedom, cultural identity, and human rights.
