All loyalties must lie with the state and with the leader who governs you. People are not free to practice religion in China. It is believed that if a higher presence commands you, the socialist government that runs China loses legitimacy. During the Tang Dynasty, religion was welcomed and played a vital role in daily life. It wasn't until the end of the dynasty did any foreign religion (Buddhism included) became repressed. When leaders feel threatened, religion is shunned. China today only allows certain religions (not even domestic religions are allowed without approval). The Communist Party leaders fear the loss of power to God and gods. The churches (especially Catholic churches) currently in China have ministers and church leaders loyal to the Communist Party, who makes sure the congregations does not profess loyalty to a higher, foreign authority.
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2015/0111/In-China-a-church-state-showdown-of-biblical-proportions
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