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Sinicization, Chinafication, or Zhongguohua 

Volume 27, Number 1 • Spring 2025

2025 Spring CS Journal cover for Sinicization Issue
Image credit: Naomi Thurston

Inside the Issue

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.