Promulgated by Decree No. 144 of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China on January 31, 1994
Effective: January 31, 1994
Article 1 — These Provisions are formulated in accordance with the Constitution for the purposes of safeguarding the freedom of religious belief of aliens within the territory of the People’s Republic of China and maintaining social and public interests.
Article 2 — The People’s Republic of China respects the freedom of religious belief of aliens within its territory, and protects friendly exchanges and cultural and academic exchange activities conducted by aliens with Chinese religious circles in respect of religion.
Article 3 — Aliens may participate in religious activities at sites for religious activities within the territory of China, such as Buddhist monasteries, Taoist temples, mosques, and churches. At the invitation of religious bodies at or above the level of a province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government, aliens may preach and expound scriptures at sites for religious activities in China.
Article 4 — Aliens may hold religious activities attended by aliens at venues recognized by the religious affairs departments of the people’s governments at or above the county level.
Article 5 — Within the territory of China, aliens may invite Chinese religious personnel to conduct religious ceremonies such as baptisms, weddings, funerals, and Taoist and Buddhist rites for them.
Article 6 — Aliens entering the territory of China may carry religious printed materials, religious audio-visual products, and other religious articles for their own use; where they carry into the territory religious printed materials, religious audio-visual products, and other religious articles in excess of their own use, this shall be handled in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Chinese Customs. The carrying into the territory of religious printed materials and religious audio-visual products whose content is harmful to China’s social and public interests is prohibited.
Article 7 — The recruitment by aliens within the territory of China of students studying abroad for the purpose of training religious personnel, or the study or lecturing by aliens at Chinese religious institutions, shall be handled in accordance with the relevant provisions of China.
Article 8 — Aliens conducting religious activities within the territory of China shall abide by China’s laws and regulations, and shall not establish religious organizations, set up religious offices or sites for religious activities, or establish religious institutions within the territory of China, nor shall they develop followers among Chinese citizens, appoint religious personnel, or engage in other missionary activities.
Article 9 — Where aliens conduct religious activities in violation of these Provisions, the religious affairs departments of the people’s governments at or above the county level and other relevant departments shall dissuade and stop them; where such activities constitute a violation of the administration of aliens’ entry and exit or of the administration of public security, the public security organs shall impose punishment in accordance with law; where a crime is constituted, the judicial organs shall investigate criminal liability in accordance with law.
Article 10 — These Provisions shall apply to religious activities of foreign organizations within the territory of the People’s Republic of China.
Article 11 — Religious activities conducted within the territory of China by Chinese citizens residing abroad, by residents of Taiwan on the Mainland, and by residents of Hong Kong and Macao in the Mainland, shall be handled with reference to these Provisions.
Article 12 — The religious affairs department of the State Council shall be responsible for the interpretation of these Provisions.
Article 13 — These Provisions shall be effective as of the date of promulgation.
Disclaimer: This is an unofficial English translation of the Provisions of the People’s Republic of China on the Administration of Religious Activities of Aliens within the Territory, provided for general informational and reference purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness, the original Chinese text shall prevail in the event of any discrepancy. This translation does not constitute legal advice, and Dan Young Business Consultancy accepts no liability for any reliance placed on it. For matters involving specific legal situations, please consult a qualified legal professional.
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