Report: Mazu, Political Influence and Organized Crime in Taiwan
By Religioscope, 28 April 2025
This report by Religioscope explores how the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) has rebranded Mazu as the “Goddess of Peace in the Taiwan Strait” to advance its narrative of cross-strait unification. In Taiwan, a number of Mazu temples have become entangled with organized crime, enabling gang leaders to exploit these religious institutions for financial gain, money laundering, and political influence.
The product of a year-long investigation, this study offers a detailed look into how the CPC’s United Front strategy seeks to shape pro-unification sentiment through Taiwan’s religious landscape. Drawing on interviews with temple officials, gang affiliates, law enforcement, journalists, and scholars, the report uncovers the complex and often hidden ways Mazu worship has been co-opted as a vehicle for Beijing’s influence operations.
To read the full report (59 pages), click here for downloading the PDF file
