"It is necessary that all who have responsibilities, especially directors, attentively study the Marxist concept of religion and, based on the law, reinforce the administration of religious affairs," Chinese Minister Zhu Rongji said today, during a meeting held in Beijing with directors of all local religious offices.

    The control of religions this year will be "even harsher," the State's Muslim adviser, Ismail Amat, said, who mentioned "hostile Western and local forces that use religion to infiltrate the country."

    Zhu Bangzao, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that China will not allow any country to interfere in its internal affairs in the name of religion. The spokesman did not refer directly to the Vatican, but the Beijing government's position is well-known, that the Pope's spiritual authority over the Church constitutes a threat to Communist control.

    On January 6, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, controlled by the regime, consecrated 5 bishops without John Paul II's approval. According to the international agency "Fides," an additional 9 priests rejected episcopal ordination as a sign of respect for the Pope, even though they knew perfectly well that their opposition would trigger anger in the communist authorities.

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