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The People's Republic of China does not currently maintain diplomatic relations with the Holy See or the State of the Vatican City. The Holy See is the only sovereign entity in Europe which recognises the Republic of China rather than the People's Republic. The main point of contention concerns the appointing of Catholic bishops in China. The Chinese government's position is that bishops should be appointed by itself; the Holy See's position is that bishops can only be appointed by the Pope.[1]
In September 2007, however, the appointing of Father Joseph Li Shan by the Chinese authorities was said to be "tacitly approved" the the Vatican.[2] In May 2008, the China Philharmonic Orchestra performed a concert for the Pope inside the Vatican, prompting analysts to speak of a "growing rapprochement" between the two countries.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ "China-Vatican relations", James Reynolds, BBC, May 9, 2008
- ^ "China installs Pope-backed bishop", BBC, September 21, 2007
- ^ "Chinese orchestra plays for Pope", David Willey, BBC, May 7, 2008
