Hong Kong (AsiaNews) – Cardinal Zen "is bound to do whatever is beneficial for China" but the stand of the government of Beijing, which ordains bishops without papal approval and maintains the Patriotic Association, "cannot be accepted by the majority of the Chinese clergy and the faithful."

The Cardinal of Hong Kong, Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, was responding today to a statement released on 10 May by Lu Xinhua, China's Foreign Ministry Commissioner, who asked him to "persuade the Vatican to accept the conditions of the Chinese government to re-establish diplomatic ties".

During a press conference, Lu had called on the bishop of Hong Kong to "convince the Vatican to establish diplomatic ties in a correct and comprehensive manner, respecting the 'one-China' principle, by severing ties with Taiwan and not to use religion to meddle in its internal affairs". Lu added: "We hope the cardinal can persuade the Vatican to accept the positions of the central government."

"I am bound to do whatever is beneficial for my nation," the cardinal replied in a statement. "However, if Beijing's position is to take over the authority for ordaining bishops, and to maintain a Patriotic Association that surpasses the bishops, these would do no good at all to the country, and would not be accepted by the majority of the clergy and the faithful."

He continued: "I love my country as much as my Church, and I do hope they achieve a 'win-win' agreement, so that genuine religious freedom will be secured, and, at the same time, harmony will be maintained in the society.

"Our faithful will be able to contribute to the progress and modernisation of our country, which, in turn, will attain a much respectable status internationally."