Hong Kong cardinal speaks out against Chinese bishops
Hong Kong's newly appointed cardinal, Joseph Zen, has criticised a decision by the Chinese government this year to appoint two bishops without Vatican approval, but said the process of introducing greater religious freedom was gathering pace in China. China kicked foreign clergy out in the 1950s and severed ties with the Vatican. Since then, it has steadfastly refused to allow Catholics to recognise the authority of the Pope; instead, they have to join the state-run Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, which has five million members.
Ref. https://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia/article1199350.ece
I have read about the oppression of Christians in China. One of the horrible parts of it is the fact that the Chinese government has completely separated the Chinese Catholics from their true religion. While I don't believe in Catholicism, I do fully support any person's right to worship. However, China is extremely anti-religion. This is just ONE of the ways they harm their own people.
I understand the Cardinal's feelings, but I am also sure that he is not at all surprised about this action.