Beijing's top political adviser, Wang Huning, has urged Chinese Christian groups to ensure "strict" management of religious affairs, signaling the ruling Communist Party's latest effort to tighten controls on organized religion. Wang's call came during the 11th National Chinese Christian Congress, where new leaders for the two state-sanctioned Protestant groups in the country were elected.

The National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in China and the China Christian Council, which oversee state-approved churches and pastoral work, aim to balance religious belief with allegiance to the party and country. Under Wang's guidance, these groups have upheld the principle that Protestantism in China must have a Chinese orientation and closely unite around the party and government.

During the congress, Wang emphasized the need for leaders to guide Protestant figures and believers to be patriotic and enhance their identification with the nation, Chinese culture, the party, and socialism with Chinese characteristics. He stressed the importance of adhering to the direction of "sinicisation of Christianity" by interpreting doctrines that align with contemporary China's development, the core values of socialism, and traditional Chinese culture.

Furthermore, Wang called for comprehensive and strict governance of religions, urging Christian groups to carry out religious activities in accordance with laws and regulations. These remarks come as China has intensified its oversight of religions, including Islam and Christianity, since President Xi Jinping introduced the concept of "sinicisation of religion" in 2015 as a means to strengthen national security and counter foreign influence.

The United States has classified China as a country of "particular concern" under its Religious Freedom Act, citing accusations of severe violations. International human rights groups have also criticized Beijing for cracking down on Christianity, including the closure of numerous house churches.

Wang's message to Chinese Christian groups aligns with Xi's call for religious groups to study the history of the Chinese Communist Party and strengthen governance of online religious affairs. It underscores the party's stance that the policy on freedom of religious belief must be fully implemented, considering China's socialist nature.

China recognizes five official religions - Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Protestantism, and Catholicism. According to Boston University's 2020 World Religion Database, approximately 7.4 percent of Chinese identify as Christians. The majority of Christians in China are Protestant, making up around 90 percent of the Christian population according to a Pew Research Centre analysis of survey data.

As Wang Huning's call resonates with the Communist Party's ongoing efforts to exert control over religion in China, it underscores the challenges facing Chinese Christian groups in navigating the delicate balance between their faith and the party's strict oversight.