The ethnic and religious issue in China has become both a theoretical and practical point of controversy in recent years, and its complexity and the divergence of views around it have also caused great social concern. Although, with the strengthening of its national power, China enjoys a strong initiative and the corresponding advantage in its political and economic development strategies, there is still a necessity to innovate in terms of cultural understanding, highlighting the country’s cultural self-confidence and formulating cultural strategies. To this end, we need to seriously consider, calmly analyze and scientifically explore the relationship between religions and cultural strategy around the world. Having done so we can then fully leverage the positive role of religious factors within China’s cultural strategy, basing ourselves on the realities of both China and the world at large.

Looking at the global political landscape, it can be seen that ethnic and religious issues are strongly related to national and regional political situations. This is an indisputable fact, and it is a basic situation which China must face up to if we want to implement our reform and opening-up policy. We can see that some countries use religion as a tool to exert influence on other countries or other regions, and turn it into a force for expanding its power; at the same time in some other countries, religion is a cause of turmoil or even national separatism and corruption. From a global perspective, it is a battle of political ability and mental strength between countries. China can not choose to hide. Rather, we should actively respond and participate in this battle directly. The handling of religious issues reflects our political wisdom, and our ability in international relations and social management. The right way to handle religious issues at the political level is to understand the various religions of the world and unify the majority of religious people, so that we will have more real friends and China will be better integrated into the world. Correctly dealing with religious issues can optimize the external environment for our “go global” strategy.

In terms of cultural strategy, according to the Eighteenth National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, we should rally all the forces possible and maximize factors conducive to harmony. Our theoretical research, academic orientation and public opinion should also be thus directed.

Taking inspiration from Chairman Mao’s famous phrase, "the policy of letting a hundred flowers bloom and a hundred schools of thought contend is designed to promote the flourishing of the arts and the progress of science", we can say that academic research encourages discussions, debate and even confrontation between different academic schools and points of view. Research on religious issues should be based on facts and use scientific methods, and serve the building of a harmonious society. Religious academic inquiry should offer advice and suggestions to the party and the government, through the best and most effective methods, so as to aid in the proper handling of religious issues.

The author is from the Institute of World Religions, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The Chinese version appeared in Chinese Social Sciences Today, No. 546, January 8, 2014.

The Chinese link: http://www.csstoday.net/xueshuzixun/guoneixinwen/87151.html

　　Translated by Du Mei

　　Revised by Gabriele Corsetti