Taiwan’s Interior Ministry is warning religious groups following Beijing’s passing of the Law Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, which will take effect this Wednesday on July 1, 2026.

This Monday, June 29, Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) stated that the ministry has held seminars for religious groups in Kinmen and Penghu, urging the religious leaders and followers to take precaution when traveling to China for exchanges. In particular, two articles in the law are identified as potentially increasing the risk of cross-strait religious exchanges. 

Article 46 stipulates that religious groups, religious schools, and sites of religious activities should carry out publicity and education to forge a strong sense of Chinese community. They should persist in the direction of sinicization of religion, guide religions to adapt to socialist society, and guide religious personnel and believers to promote patriotism.

Article 63 stipulates that organizations and individuals outside of China who engage in activities that undermine national unity and progress or create ethnic division will be held legally responsible. 

Liu said, “The Interior Ministry has also specifically raised this issue with the Mainland Affairs Council and temple organizers in various regions, asking them to pay close attention to whether their handling of the sinicization of religion is turning into another form of united front work, cognitive warfare, or religious sabotage.”

The minister explained that the CCP uses “sinicization of religion” as one of its united front strategies towards Taiwan. She noted that religious control is handled by the CCP’s United Front Work Department, which frequently claims the deity Mazu is Chinese.

As a democratic and free society, Liu said, Taiwan is welcoming to all religions as long as they do not break the law or infringe upon the freedom and religious beliefs of others.

Liu said following the seminars in Kinmen and Penghu, similar informational events will also be held in the remaining 20 counties and cities across Taiwan.