To sway political opinion in its favor ahead of Taiwan's upcoming elections, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is intensifying exchanges with folk religious groups in rural Taiwan, as indicated by documents from the Taiwanese government and statements from security officials. The CCP's strategy involves increased religious trips across the Taiwan Strait, particularly focusing on the worship of Mazu, a popular sea goddess with around 10 million Taiwanese worshippers. Security documents and interviews with officials reveal details of CCP officials attempting to build connections with religious groups, offering inducements such as subsidized trips to China.
Taiwan has responded by enhancing monitoring of religious activities, particularly those involving Mazu, to counter potential interference from the CCP. The initiative comes in the lead-up to the presidential and legislative elections in Taiwan on January 13, with Beijing allegedly seeking to influence the outcome in favor of parties advocating closer ties with China.
China's influence over the Mazu faith is facilitated through entities like the Religious Affairs Administration, overseen by the CCP's United Front Work Department. The intelligence report suggests that China considers this faith as the "axis" of its influence operations, given Mazu's historical roots in China's Fujian province, located directly across the Taiwan Strait.
While China officially practices atheism, the United Front has historically utilized folk religions to establish connections with Taiwanese believers, often involving pilgrimages to China. The CCP's efforts in this regard have intensified despite Taiwan's increased vigilance, with security officials expressing concerns about potential intelligence gathering and recruitment during religious exchanges.
China's focus extends beyond urban religious centers to rural shrines and temples, seen as effective channels for shaping local opinions. The Taiwanese government is monitoring these activities and has identified Beijing's infiltration into temples on Taiwan's offshore islands and less densely populated east coast.
The religious push aligns with heightened military drills by China near Taiwan, part of what is perceived as a broader campaign to influence Taiwanese voters. China has used propaganda videos linking religious symbols, such as Mazu, with military exercises, illustrating its multifaceted approach to sway public sentiment.
Taiwanese officials and analysts view these efforts as part of China's strategy to encourage a narrative that supporting pro-China parties ensures peace while voting for those supporting independence leads to conflict across the Taiwan Strait. The CCP's engagement with rural temples is seen as a means to influence local communities, shape public opinion, and potentially impact election results. The Taiwanese government is scrutinizing such activities and considering tighter laws to counter religious incursions by Beijing.
