Jonathan Spence, “a man steeped in knowledge of this vast country,” goes back to Confucius for BBC radio’s annual Reith lectures.

At The China Beat, Xujun Eberlein reads “Political Confucianism” by Jiang Qing and considers whether Confucianism — be it a religion or not — can ever make a viable political system.

A month ago, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom named China as one of eleven “Countries of Particular Concern” as they issued their annual report, saying that “China’s policies of repression and control around freedom of religion continue apace.” Listen to the statement on China and Tibet, or watch the press conference at C-Span. On June 11, the Council on Foreign Relations will hold a live webcast: A Symposium on Religion and the Future of China.

China’s recent restrictions on foreigners go beyond religion: “Do not bring any printed materials critical of China. Do not plan on holding any rallies or demonstrations in China. Do not think that you are guaranteed an entry visa even if you hold tickets to an Olympic event. And do not even think about smuggling opium into China…” In Hong Kong, the American, British, and European Chambers of Commerce flooded the Foreign Ministry with complaints about the new visa hurdles.

From Jonathan Spence’s lecture, the 6 steps of Confucius’s life: “At 15, I set my heart on learning. At 30, I found my balance through the rites. At 40, I was free from doubts about myself. At 50, I understood what heaven intended me to do. At 60, I was attuned to what I heard. At 70, I followed what my heart desired without overstepping the line.” ❑