Islamic Association of China


The Islamic Association of China is the official national religious organization for Muslims of all ethnic groups in China. The association is overseen by the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China following the State Administration for Religious Affairs' absorption into the United Front Work Department in 2018.

History

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.

Activities

The Association's primary tasks are:
Its stated missions and duties are:
The incumbent president is Xilalunding Chen Guangyuan, and the vice-president is Juma Taier.
Past presidents are:
The July 2009 Ürümqi riots were decried by both Chen and Taier as violating Islamic principles.