Chen Zongrong, a senior Chinese religious-affairs official described at a press conference in Beijing on April 3, 2018 as a “former vice administrator” of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, said the Chinese government is making concerted efforts to conclude an agreement with the Pope, which would end a decades long rift. Under the compromise, China would select bishop

candidates, but the Pope would have veto power—an arrangement meant to end the appointment of rival clerics. Chen Zongrong also clarified the Pope's authority regarding appointing Bishops in China saying “I cannot agree with such an opinion. China’s constitution is clear.… Foreign forces cannot be allowed to interfere with China’s religious environment and religious affairs.” He also disclosed that he and his colleagues are awaiting new titles, as the religious agency is being subsumed this month into the CCP CC's United Front Work Department..  

(Comment: Chen Zongrong held the press conference to introduce a Chinese government policy paper on religion. The policy paper calls government authority over religion a necessity for the nation’s independence, saying Western faiths like Christianity “had long been controlled and utilized by colonialists and imperialists.” The policy paper also says Islamic leaders in China must keep their followers clear of extremist views, and covers issues including the commercialization of Buddhist and Taoist temples and the burning of environmentally harmful incense.)