Chinese Buddhist Association Launches English Training for Global Propaganda Efforts

Buddhist Monks Told to Learn English for Global Propaganda

By Hao Jianyu

A recent initiative by the Chinese government-controlled China Buddhist Association has sparked attention, with a 2024 Buddhist English Trning Course being held at Putuo Temple in Zhuh, Guangdong province. The course was conducted in partnership with an organization known as the Buddhist English Exchange Base and involved leaders from the Buddhist Association of China along with officials specialized in managing religion within the United Front Work Department.

The opening speeches of this trning program emphasized a multifaceted objective beyond just promoting Chinese Buddhist culture internationally or translating ancient Buddhist texts into English. In his speech, Vice President Ming Sheng of the Buddhist Association of China and director of the Buddhist English Exchange Base explned that part of their goal was indeed to share Buddhism with the world through translation efforts.

However, he also underscored a strategic element: aligning with the Belt and Road Initiative's progress. The Chinese leadership repeatedly advocates for all citizens, including Buddhists, to play an active role in telling the Chinese version of history to counterparts from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. This includes combating anti-China propaganda while asserting China’s commitment to religious freedom.

Ming Sheng further explned that the Buddhist English Exchange Base was established not solely for language learning but also to enhance China's narrative on Buddhism within global forums like the Sixth World Buddhist Forum, which promises to be a pivotal moment in spreading this message. It isn't just proficiency in English that is being sought; political awareness of those participating is also crucial as they engage with foreign audiences.

Throughout these speeches, including one by Deputy Secretary General Master Hongdu, it became clear that the m goes beyond translating texts and sharing insightsit's about using Buddhism as a tool for global propaganda. The selection process for speakers at this forum will prioritize not only linguistic skills but also their ability to express patriotic sentiments.

The initiative underscores China's strategy of leveraging cultural exchanges through religion, particularly Buddhism, to strengthen its diplomatic presence worldwide, aligning with the Belt and Road Initiative's vision of economic cooperation and cultural integration. The emphasis on political awareness and global narrative shaping highlights China's strategic approach in promoting its values abroad through spiritual dialogue.

In essence, this initiative represents a bl of cultural promotion and diplomatic engagement China's broader foreign policy objectives. As such, it encapsulates the complexity and strategic depth of China’s global outreach efforts.
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