Chinese villagers win battle against forced cremationAFP, BEIJINGProtests in rural China have thwarted government attempts to enforce cremation in place of traditional burials, demonstrators say, as economic pressures fuel unrest in poor areas. Photo: ReutersThe Chinese government has promoted cremation for decades, saying it preserves land, reduces costs and represents “modern” funeral practice. Cremation is commonplace in cities, but many rural communities view burials as an essential rite for the dead. While exceptions exist for 10 mainly Muslim ethnic minorities, the state encourages cremation wherever local conditions allow. A 2018 campaign against burials in Jiangxi Province sparked an outcry, including from state media, after videos showed officials destroying coffins.

Source: Taipei Times December 26, 2025 18:44 UTC