Islamic Association of China

In July 1952, Muslim leaders Burhan Shahidi, Liu Geping, Saifuddin Azizi, Yang Jingren, Pu-sheng, Ma Jian, Pang Shiqian and Ma Yuhuai met in Beijing to discuss founding a Chinese Islamic association. The Islamic Association of China was established on May 11, 1953, as the first unified national Islamic organization, designed to build bridges between all Chinese Muslims. At its inaugural meeting on May 11, 1953, in Beijing, representatives from 10 nationalities of the People's Republic of China were in attendance. Since its founding, there have been eight national conferences.^{[citation needed]}

In 1955, the association established an Islamic college at Beijing that trains students to become religious professionals. In 1957, the Association began publishing a bi-monthly magazine targeted at Chinese Muslims. During the Cultural Revolution, the actives of the Association ceased but began again in 1979.^[2]

In 1980, the CCP Central Committee approved a request by the United Front Work Department to create a national conference for religious groups.^{[3]: 126–127} The Islamic Association of China was one of five such religious groups, which also included the Catholic Patriotic Association, the Chinese Taoist Association, the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, and the Buddhist Association of China.^[3]: 127

In 2018, the association's parent organization, the State Administration for Religious Affairs, was absorbed into the CCP's United Front Work Department.^[1]

In international relations, the Islamic Association of China is a major official interlocutor for China with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.^[4]: 79

The incumbent president is Xilalunding Chen Guangyuan,^[5][6] and the vice-president is Juma Taier.^{[citation needed]}

Past presidents are:

• Shahidi
• Muhammad Ali
• Zhang Jie
• Elias
• Shen Hsia-hee
• Saliha Shi-wei

• Islam in China
• Islamophobia in China
• Islamic socialism

• Official website