China has implemented new rules that increase political control over Religious Venues and activities. As of September 1, monasteries, temples, mosques, and churches must support the leadership of the Communist Party of China and deliver "patriotic" education to believers. The rules aim to "sinicize" religious activity and prohibit ties with overseas organizations. Religious venues must submit activity plans for approval, engage in nationalistic and patriotic education, and promote the use of Mandarin. The rules also ban crowdfunding for religious venues and forbid unapproved activities. Critics argue that the rules suppress independent thought and prioritize politics over spirituality.

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