China denies church 'demolition campaign' but says Christianity's growth 'excessive'

However, in a recent speech the provincial official in charge of religious affairs hinted at Communist Party discomfort at how fast congregations were growing in what is already considered Chinas most Christian region. More than one million of Wenzhous nine million residents are thought to be practicing Protestants, according to some estimates.

Feng Zhili, the chairman of Zhejiangs ethnic and religious affairs committee, said Christianitys growth had been too excessive and too haphazard.

China is an officially atheist state that only offers formal recognition to five religions: Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism and Taoism.

Religious beliefs are officially discouraged, particularly among the Communist Partys more than 85 million members.

However, support is offered to many officially sanctioned churches and some within the Communist Party view religion as a useful ally in maintaining social stability.

Xi Jinping, the president, has been quoted as saying that China is losing its moral compass and thinks traditional faiths such as Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism could help fill a void that has allowed corruption to flourish, Reuters reported last year, citing sources close to the leadership.

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China denies church 'demolition campaign' but says Christianity's growth 'excessive'