China Denies Detaining Underground Bishop

A Chinese religious affairs official on Tuesday denied that authorities briefly detained an underground bishop last week, after the Vatican poured water on Beijing's suggestion that a deal on the appointment of prelates was imminent.

AFP previously reported that Bishop Vincent Guo Xijin was first detained last Monday for about 24 hours and then on Thursday he was forced to travel to the city of Xiamen over 200 kilometres away from his diocese before being released.

"Saying that his freedom is limited is not consistent with the facts," Chen Zongrong, former Vice Administrator of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, told reporters at a briefing.

Guo, a bishop in southeastern province of Fujian, is recognised by the Vatican but not by the Chinese authorities.

But the Vatican is urging him to step aside for a prelate recognised by China's Communist government as the two sides try to reach a deal on the appointment of bishops.

A source familiar with the details of the detention said Guo's visit to Xiamen was "not his choice, but he negotiated with the officials and they allowed him to return on Saturday in time to preside over Easter activities."

Chen refuted that, saying the bishop had accepted an invitation to visit Xiamen by Cai Bingrui, the government-recognised bishop there.

Amnesty International China researcher William Nee said the international community should be "very hesitant" in taking China at its word about Guo's freedom.

"The Chinese government often 'forcibly travels' human rights defenders, prominent intellectuals, or in this case Bishop Guo, when there are major political events, meetings with heads of state, or other sensitive affairs," Nee added.