China: Buddhism

(asked on 30th November 2020) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Chinese Government on (a) the reported demolishment of Buddhist temples in Hebei Province and (b) the confiscation of Buddhist materials that are not approved by the Chinese Government from temples in China.


Answered by
Nigel Adams Portrait
Nigel Adams
This question was answered on 7th December 2020

We are aware of reports of demolition and closure of religious sites across China. The UK remains concerned by restrictions placed on Buddhists and other religious groups in China, including reports of individuals being detained for their beliefs. The freedom to practice, change or share ones faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy. The UK regularly raises Freedom of Religion or Belief directly with the Chinese authorities and via multilateral action at the UN. The Foreign Secretary has personally raised our serious concerns about related issues in Xinjiang with his Chinese counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on a number of occasions.

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