In a recent cartoon, Badiucao focuses on two ongoing cases related to the state control of religion in China: the recent announcement of a pending investigation into Shaolin Monastery abbot Shi Yongxin for fraud and sexual misconduct, and the resurgence of forced cross removals at Christian churches across Zhejiang province. On Twitter, Badiucao posted the cartoon along with a comment: “If in the good graces of the Party-State, even a monk is allowed to keep three wives and four concubines; if opposed to the Party, they’ll burn every one of your crosses.”
Shi Yongxin, also known as the “CEO monk” for the commercial success Shaolin has seen under his tenure, has been a delegate at the National People’s Congress, and holds a key post at the state-overseen Buddhist Association of China. In Zhejiang, where Christians suspect an official crackdown on their religion despite official claims that crosses are being removed for “safety concerns,” observers have noted swelling opposition as the state religious affairs bureau attempts to use Sunday worship gatherings to educate on new regulations.
CDT is now selling t-shirts and iPad covers featuring Badiucao’s work in our Zazzle store. See also a Q&A with Badiucao in which he discusses his artistic and personal influences, and his earlier cartoons for CDT.
