Laws of the People's Republic of China

    Article 1  These Provisions are formulated in accordance with the
Constitution in order to ensure the freedom of religious belief of aliens
within the territory of the People's Republic of China and to maintain the
public interests of the society.

    Article 2  The People's Republic of China respects the freedom of
religious belief of aliens within Chinese territory and protects friendly
contacts and cultural and academic exchanges of aliens with Chinese religious
circles in respect of religion.

    Article 3  Aliens may participate in religious activities at Buddhist
monasteries, Taoist temples, mosques, churches and other sites for religious
activities within Chinese territory. Aliens may preach and expound the
scripture at Chinese sites for religious activities at the invitation of
Chinese religious bodies at or above the level of province, autonomous region
and municipality directly under the Central Government.

    Article 4  Aliens may hold religious activities attended by aliens at the
sites for religious activities approved by the department of religious affairs
of the people's government at or above the county level.

    Article 5  Aliens within Chinese territory may invite Chinese religious
personnel to conduct such religious ceremonies as baptism, weddings, funerals,
Taoist and Buddhist rites.

    Article 6  Aliens entering Chinese territory may carry religious printed
matter, religious audio-visual products and other religious articles for
personal use; if the amount of such religious printed matters, religious
audio-visual products and other religious articles is greater than for
personal use, it shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the
Chinese Customs.

    Religious printed matter or religious audio-visual products whose contents
are detrimental to the public interests of Chinese society are forbidden to
bring into Chinese territory.

    Article 7  Aliens within Chinese territory shall recruit the persons to
study abroad to be trained as religious personnel, or come to study or teach
at Chinese religious institutions in accordance with the relevant provisions
of China.

    Article 8  Aliens who conduct religious activities within Chinese
territory shall abide by Chinese laws and regulations, shall not establish
religious organizations, set up religious offices, sites for religious
activities or run religious institutions within Chinese territory, not may
they develop followers, appoint religious personnel or engage in other
missionary activities.

    Article 9  Where aliens conduct religious activities that violate these
Provisions, the departments of religious affairs and other related departments
of the people's government at or above the county level shall dissuade or stop
them; where those activities violate the control of the entry and exit of
aliens or administration of public security, the public security organs shall
punish them in accordance with the law; where a crime is constituted, they
shall be investigated for their criminal responsibility by the judicial organs.

    Article 10  These Provisions are applicable to religious activities of
foreign bodies within Chinese territory.

    Article 11  Chinese citizens residing abroad within Chinese territory,
Taiwan residents on the Mainland, the residents of Hong Kong and Macao in the
inland shall conduct religious activities with reference to these Provisions.

    Article 12  The department of religious affairs of the State Council shall
be responsible for the interpretation of these Provisions.

    Article 13  These Provisions shall enter into force as of the date of
promulgation.