Repurposing Religion: How China uses Buddhism to expand Its reach

The global promotion of Buddhism as a form of soft power by the Chinese state is unprecedented in the modern world. Recent efforts to integrate Buddhism into Chinese foreign policy build on decades of work by the Communist Party of China (CPC) through its state religious system. Under President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government is channeling more resources into Buddhism to bolster China's political and economic rise through cultural means. This strategy aims to project a dual image of Chinese Buddhism as both soft and sharp power—state-controlled yet targeted—seeking to influence societies and politics in Buddhist-majority countries, Western nations, and Asian rivals.

As part of this initiative, China has actively sought to enhance its influence in the Buddhist world using both soft and sharp power strategies. Notably, events like the World Buddhist Forum (WBF) play a critical role in this effort. Launched in 2006, the WBF has become one of the largest platforms for international Buddhist exchanges, bringing together leaders and scholars from around the globe. The forum allows the Chinese government to promote a version of Buddhism that aligns with its political and cultural values, emphasizing the "sinicization" of religions—integrating religious practices with Chinese socialist ideology. Discussions at the forum cover themes like world peace, social responsibility, and the preservation of Buddhist heritage.

The most recent WBF, held from October 15-17, 2024, in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, saw a notable upgrade in the participation of Chinese Communist Party leaders. Unlike previous forums, where messages from party leaders were read, the opening ceremony featured a speech from Wang Huning, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Wang highlighted the forum's role in promoting the openness and tolerance of Chinese Buddhism and the government's support for international Buddhist exchanges.

In addition to the main forum, seven regional sub-forums focused on Buddhism attracted participants from various countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, Germany, Canada, South Korea, and Thailand. By hosting such events, China aims to position itself as a leader in the global Buddhist community and to enhance its soft power.

China has also invested heavily in building Buddhist institutions, both domestically and internationally, as part of its strategy to increase its influence. This includes constructing temples and monasteries and engaging with Buddhist communities through cultural exchange programs. Landmark projects such as the Lingshan Grand Buddha in Wuxi, one of the tallest bronze Shakyamuni statues in the world, and the Nanhai Buddhism Academy in Hainan, often likened to Nalanda University, illustrate China's commitment to promoting its cultural heritage and bolstering its soft power.

Furthermore, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) serves as another significant avenue for China to expand its influence over Buddhism. While the BRI enhances trade and infrastructure connectivity, it also provides a platform for promoting Chinese Buddhism, as its routes overlap with the historical spread of Buddhism from India to China. By reviving these routes, China aims to disseminate its interpretation of Buddhism to neighboring countries. Outreach efforts focus on engaging with Buddhist leaders and communities in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, as part of a broader strategy to build ideational influence.

China's strategic engagement with Buddhist communities is designed to strengthen cultural diplomacy and soft power. By fostering relationships with Buddhist leaders and institutions in these countries, China seeks to create a shared sense of values and mitigate concerns surrounding the BRI. This engagement is coordinated through the United Front Work Department, which promotes the CPC’s political objectives. Activities include sponsoring pilgrimages, funding temple restorations, and hosting cultural exchanges, all aimed at positioning China as a leader in the Buddhist world.

Ultimately, the Chinese government utilizes Buddhism as a tool to further its political and economic interests, both domestically and internationally. The CPC's approach to Buddhism involves promoting a version that aligns with its goals, a process termed the "sinicization" of religion. This integration ensures that religious practices support party objectives without challenging its authority.

Chinese Buddhism often incorporates concepts from Confucianism and Taoism, emphasizing ideas like filial piety, central to Confucian thought. This blending is evident in Buddhist art and architecture, which reflect distinctly Chinese styles. Festivals and rituals in Chinese Buddhism integrate traditional customs; for instance, the celebration of the Buddha's birthday features Chinese elements such as lanterns and dragon dances. Monastic practices are adapted to fit the Chinese social context, including communal organization and daily routines for monks and nuns.

As a result, a form of Buddhism distinct from its Indian origins has emerged, shaped by the CPC's influence. This strategy aims to establish China as a leader in the Buddhist world, leveraging its cultural heritage to enhance its international standing.