Taiwan says China using religion to influence public opinion on the island

More than ten thousand Taiwanese citizens took part in religion-based events in China during 2024 with support from Beijing’s authorities, according to a new study. Taiwan sees this trend as part of China’s broader effort to influence public opinion on the island and reshape cultural ties in its favour.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan’s government insists that the Republic of China is a sovereign state and rejects Beijing’s authority. Beijing continues to apply both pressure and outreach, combining frequent military exercises near the island with attempts to reach sympathetic groups through cultural and religious exchanges.

The Taiwan-based research organisation IORG reported that 10,496 Taiwanese joined more than 110 organised religious visits to China last year. These activities were coordinated or supported by local Chinese government agencies, suggesting a well-structured programme. IORG noted that this is the first comprehensive documentation revealing the extent of Beijing’s efforts to use religion as a bridge to influence Taiwanese society.

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Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council responded on Thursday, saying Beijing has long used religion to promote its “United Front” strategy — a political campaign intended to expand China’s influence overseas. The council added that the study offers valuable insights and said officials are monitoring the issue closely.

Taiwan’s security departments remain cautious, viewing these activities as attempts to exploit religion, an important element of Taiwanese culture, to serve the interests of the Chinese Communist Party. While China officially claims to protect religious freedom, it allows it only under state supervision.

The IORG report, based on analysis of over 7,000 articles published by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, concluded that Beijing promotes the idea of shared cultural roots and an inevitable “reunification.” Taiwan’s National Security Bureau has warned that similar exchange programmes are being used to sway and infiltrate various sectors in Taiwan.

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