Concerns raised over China's restrictions on Hui Muslims' religious identity
- China's policies are raising concerns over the restrictions imposed on the religious identity of Hui Muslims.
- Claims are being made about the potential limitations faced by the Hui Muslim minority in China.
- The protection of religious freedom is being debated amidst China's tightening grip on Islam.
China's religious policies are getting stricter. In 2018 and 2020, new rules were made. Muslim communities in China are feeling pressure. Uyghur Muslims, around 12 million, have faced harsh rules in Xinjiang since 2009. About 1 million have been put in camps for "reeducation" and "counterextremism training." Hui Muslims, almost as many, are less in the news because they blend better with the Han Chinese majority. China wanted foreign money, even from the Middle East, but Uyghurs are seen as different. The fear of separatism and terrorism led to tough policies in Xinjiang. The Chinese Communist Party's approach to Uyghurs is severe due to worries about separatism and terrorism. Some Muslims feel their religion is being restricted. China says it's protecting religious freedom. The government wants to make religion more Chinese. Islam's practice and identity are being limited. Domes and minarets are important in Islamic architecture. Some mosques in China have been closed, causing concern among the Hui Muslims. The situation for Hui Muslims is compared to what Uyghurs face in Xinjiang. The changes happening to the Hui are seen as a subtler version of what Uyghurs experience. In Ningxia, over 1,000 mosques may have closed in the past few years. The future goals of China's leaders regarding religious minorities are unclear. Some Hui Muslims still feel proud to be Chinese and are happy as long as they can practice their faith.