Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping wanted to emphasize history and determination when he took President Donald Trump on a tour of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China. The temple was used by Chinese Emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties where the rulers would pray for abundant harvests, good weather and good fortune for the people of China. Apparently, Chairman Xi wanted to send a message that rulers of China follow a mandate that is in alignment with spiritual divinity.
It is a rather ironic view of stewardship considering that religion is subject to strict government regulation in communist China. The Chinese government officially recognizes five religions: Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism, and Daoism; however, the practice of each religion must follow communist rules and be in alignment with all CCP dictates. Within China, this is known as “sinicization,” a requirement that all religious groups must adapt their beliefs and practices to align with Chinese culture and the Communist Party’s ideology.
The Temple of Heaven is near Tiananmen Square, and the most famous temple in Beijing. Originally built along with the Forbidden City in the early 1400s the temple is also near the royal palace that President Trump and Chairman Xi toured with their spouses in 2017. Video Below:
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