An original and sophisticated system of religious ideals and religion’s relationship with the state authority has evolved in traditional China. It represents the syncretic unity of three major institutional religions of China (Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism) on the basis of ritual practice and the concept of “Heaven” that affirmed the supremacy of the state power over religious doctrines. It also included a variety of official and folk cults that permeated all aspects of social life. An important product of China’s religious evolution were so called secular, or syncretic, religions which constituted a separate religious tradition. Through complex adaptations Islam and Christianity have also become rooted in China contributing to the extraordinary richness and subtlety of religious life in China.

In PRC religions are still an important factor of political and ideological debates. Moreover, religious situation in the regions such as “Inner” China, Hongkong, Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia etc., varied a lot and produces specific problems.

The special issue of the journal aims to evaluate in the light of the present conditions the nature of China’s religious tradition(s), its political significance and the perspectives of its future evolution. The following list of topics provides some options for the experts willing to make contributions to this issue:
• The nature of China’s “religious tradition” and its relation to the state;
• Social and political nature of religious cults and their classification;
• Religious policy of the Popular Republic of China in the 21st Century;
• Recent evolution of Chinese Buddhism and Taoism;
• Syncretic religions in modern China;
• Religion in Hongkong and Taiwan;
• Tibetan Buddhism, Islam and Christianity: traditions and modernity;
• The influence of religion on culture and arts.

The authors are welcome to submit their proposals as abstracts (250-400 words) with the CV both to the editor board address (religion@ranepa.ru) and the guest editor Vladimir Maliavin (vladmal0913@gmail.com) by November 1, 2020. If the proposal is confirmed, the articles (up to 7000 words) should be submitted by April 20, 2021.