TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China is using religion to promote “one China” among Taiwanese, Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Shen You-chung (沈有忠) said Thursday at the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.

Shen said China often inserts United Front elements into religious exchanges, such as portraying Mazu as a “Chinese deity” and framing participation in exchanges in China as “returning home,” per CNA. He said these narratives recur during exchanges and amount to ideological indoctrination.

He added that Beijing has arranged matchmaking events for young Taiwanese taking part in religious exchanges and other programs, which the MAC views as potential united front tactics to foster emotional or interpersonal ties.

Shen also noted a recent trend of bundling religious tourism with cultural and economic packages that promote “China’s greatness” and link participants to the Chinese industrial supply chain.

He said the council, along with the National Security Council and National Security Bureau, will continue to monitor these developments.

The NSB on Wednesday condemned Beijing’s political intimidation, saying it aims to isolate and annex Taiwan. The bureau said it would coordinate national intelligence teams to track organizations and individuals that spread intimidating messages, report to Beijing, or cooperate with China’s sanctions.