China insists Vatican avoid 'interference'
China today said that the Vatican must not interfere with its internal affairs if it wants to restore diplomatic relations.
China has “taken note” of the Vatican’s desire to improve relations with Beijing, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan.
He reiterated Beijing’s conditions, saying the Vatican must sever ties with China’s arch-rival Taiwan and refrain from actions that would interfere in how China governs itself. He didn’t elaborate on what Beijing would consider interference.
China only allows worship in government-controlled churches and appoints its own priests and bishops.
Chinese Catholics who meet outside the sanctioned churches are frequently harassed by authorities.
The Vatican has said it hopes tensions between the Catholic Church and China will end soon.
