The Center for Uyghur Studies’ new report uncovers China’s “two-faced” religion policy—spreading an image of tolerance globally while eradicating Islamic identity in East Turkistan.
The Center for Uyghur Studies (CUS) on October 21, 2025, released a new report titled “China’s Hypocrisy on Religion: Unveiling Contradictions in the PRC’s Religious Policies” revealing how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) promotes an image of religious tolerance abroad while conducting one of the most extensive campaigns of religious persecution in modern history.
The report highlights the sharp contrast between Beijing’s international rhetoric of interfaith harmony and its domestic reality of systematic repression targeting Uyghur Muslims, Tibetans, Christians, and other religious communities. Despite government claims of protecting freedom of belief, the Chinese authorities have imposed sweeping restrictions on religious practices—such as fasting during Ramadan, wearing religious attire, or attending mosques—particularly in East Turkistan. Thousands of mosques and shrines have been demolished, while millions of Uyghurs have been detained in so-called “re-education camps” under the guise of “countering extremism.”
The study also exposes how Beijing manipulates religion as a geopolitical tool, using the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other diplomatic platforms to cultivate relations with Muslim-majority countries. By funding overseas mosques, hosting interfaith dialogues, and influencing religious institutions through state-controlled media, China seeks to project an image of tolerance and deflect international criticism of its human rights abuses.
“China’s hypocrisy on religion represents a dangerous double game,” said Abdulhakim Idris, Executive Director of CUS. “While the Chinese government destroys mosques and jails imams at home, it donates to mosques abroad and organizes interfaith events to present itself as a friend of Muslims. This deception not only insults the victims of persecution but also undermines global moral standards on religious freedom. The Muslim world, in particular, must not remain silent in the face of this injustice.”
The report calls on democratic governments, international organizations, and civil society to confront Beijing’s double standards and hold the CCP accountable through diplomatic, legal, and economic measures. It emphasizes the urgent need for global solidarity with persecuted communities, including Uyghur Muslims, Tibetans, Chinese Christians, and Falun Gong practitioners.
The full report, “China’s Hypocrisy on Religion: Unveiling Contradictions in the PRC’s Religious Policies,” is available in both English and Arabic on the Center for Uyghur Studies’ official website.
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