What does China Islamic Association's rebrand reveal about Beijing's integration drive?
sinicisation of religions in China.
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The rebrand, which features a simpler blue logo, could alienate ordinary Muslims and provoke a sense of
cultural erasure and suspicion, undermining the
integration of Islam within mainstream Chinese society, analysts have warned.
On February 21, the group's official WeChat social media account – 'China Islamic Association Online' – still displayed a post featuring its traditional logo – a green background with traditional Islamic symbols such as the Arabic-style onion dome topped by a crescent moon and the association's Chinese and English names.
Since February 26, however, the association's posts have featured a new design that has a blue background and only the Chinese characters of the group's name. The symbols have all been all removed.
The association has not responded to repeated requests for comment by the South China Morning Post.
The social media account of the China Islamic Association has replaced its traditional logo (right) with a new design (left) that features a blue background and only the Chinese characters of the group's name.
The new logo appeared just ahead of Ramadan – one of the most sacred times for Muslims – which began on February 28 and ends on March 30 this year. It is a time when Muslims fast during daylight hours to cultivate patience, spirituality, humility and submission to God.
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