BEIJING — Vice-Premier Wang Yang has stressed full implementation of the basic policy of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on religious affairs and upholding the principle that religions in China must be Chinese in orientation.

Wang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks on Feb 6 while visiting some national religious associations in Beijing, including the Buddhist Association of China, the Taoist Association of China, the Islamic Association of China, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, and the Bishops’ Conference of Catholic Church in China.

Vice-Premier Wang Yang (2nd R, front), also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visits the Islamic Association of China in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 6, 2018. Wang visited some national religious associations on Feb 6 and extended New Year greetings to religious circles in China ahead of the Spring Festival. [Photo/Xinhua]

He said active guidance should be provided to religious groups so that they can adapt to socialist society, and efforts should be made to unite religious personages and followers in making new contribution to the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and to realizing the Chinese Dream of the national rejuvenation.

Wang extended New Year greetings to religious circles in China ahead of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb 16 this year.

He expressed appreciation of the role of religious groups in maintaining social stability and ethnic unity, promoting public interests and philanthropy, and carrying out external exchanges.

“Religious circles and believers are a positive force in building socialism with Chinese characteristics,” Wang said.

Vice-Premier Wang Yang (2nd R), also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visits the Buddhist Association of China in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 6, 2018. Wang visited some national religious associations on Feb 6 and extended New Year greetings to religious circles in China ahead of the Spring Festival. [Photo/Xinhua]

He said that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core has offered full respect and protection for the freedom of religious belief and has been working to improve the rule of law in administering religious affairs.

The CPC Central Committee supports the self-construction of patriotic religious associations, he said.

Wang called on religious circles in China to carefully study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress.

He required efforts to guide the religious circles and followers to rally closely around the CPC and the government.

Party committees and governments at all levels should give care and support to religious groups and help them with their realistic needs, he said.

Vice-Premier Wang Yang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visits the Taoist Association of China in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 6, 2018. Wang visited some national religious associations on Feb 6 and extended New Year greetings to religious circles in China ahead of the Spring Festival. [Photo/Xinhua]