Nibbling like a silkworm – narrating the Chinese government’s strategy towards religions

China’s human rights record, particularly regarding religious freedom, has faced widespread criticism. Although formal religious affiliation appears to have plateaued, diverse forms of religious and spiritual practice continue across the country, often in informal or localized settings. This reality presents both challenges and opportunities for the Chinese government: expressions of faith may be viewed as potential sources of instability, but can also be incorporated into ideological strategies that reinforce the legitimacy of the Socialist system and the Communist Party. This article explores how China’s political leadership navigates the paradox of managing religion within an officially atheist state and the extent to which spiritual and moral resources are co-opted for political purposes. Drawing on an analysis of recent Party and state documents, including new regulations and management measures issued by the National Religious Affairs Administration under the United Front Work Department, the study identifies an updated approach to the bureaucratization of religion. Under Xi Jinping, this includes aligning religious teachings with ideological and atheist principles to serve as extensions of Party governance, enforcing the Sinicization of religious practices, and strategically leveraging religion in international affairs.