Beijing warns off Vatican
China today rejected ties between the nation’s Catholics and the Vatican, indicating that Beijing has not budged on a key issue in their split despite expressing hope for better relations following the death of Pope John Paul.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said he did not know whether China would send anyone to John Paul’s funeral – one possible gesture that might show an interest in reconciliation.
“China’s principle on religion is that religious groups must be independent and support themselves and administer themselves in China,” Qin said. “The Vatican shall not interfere with China’s internal affairs.”
Communist leaders ordered China’s Roman Catholics to break ties with the Vatican in 1951. A government-sanctioned Catholic church appoints its own priests and bishops, though it recognises the Pope as a spiritual leader and follows Vatican doctrine.
China permits worship only in official churches, but millions more Catholics meet in unauthorised “house churches.” The government frequently harasses and arrests followers and clergy of the underground church.
Qin demanded that the Vatican break off diplomatic relations with rival Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as part of its territory. China refuses to have relations with any government that recognises Taiwan as a sovereign nation.
Qin also said the Vatican had to avoid interfering in China’s affairs.
“We are ready to improve relations with the Vatican on the basis of these principles,” he said.
But Qin didn’t respond when asked whether the Pope’s appointment of bishops around the world constituted interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
Earlier, Hong Kong’s Roman Catholic bishop said the Vatican wants to cut formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognise China because the move would give Catholics more freedom on the mainland.
Outspoken Bishop Joseph Zen – an ardent campaigner against communism – said: “The Holy See has been thinking of giving up Taiwan. This is a difficult (decision), but it has decided to do it.
“There is however no way that (it would) do so before negotiations. We have got to start the negotiation before talking about what we can give.”
The Vatican is Taiwan’s only European diplomatic ally and rumours have long been circulating that the Holy See plans to soon sever official relations with Taipei. It would be a big blow to Taiwan, which competes fiercely with China for recognition since the two sides split amid civil war in 1949.
Zen said that church officials in Taiwan would understand the move. “If the Holy See does not establish ties with China, Catholics there will no have real freedom,” he said.
