China's tense links with the Vatican

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By Kate McGeown
BBC News


The Pope's funeral was a lavish affair, attended by heads of state from across the globe.

But despite China having a 13 million-strong Catholic community, dignitaries from Beijing were notable only by their absence.

In contrast, Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian chose to go to the service - a move guaranteed to annoy China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory and disapproves of the island's leaders attending international events.

But Mr Chen's visit had more to do with politics than faith, since it came amid rumours of a rethink in the Vatican's relationship with China and Taiwan.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4423845.stm