Even after more than 50 years of communism, China remains a religious country. Nevertheless, the officially atheist PRC not only harasses religious Chinese, but callously destroys China's religious heritage in the name of progress.
CPO has reported on China's part in the planned demolition of an important Buddhist site in Afghanistan for profit, but religious sites at home fair no better. For example, AFP is reporting on plans to bulldoze many of the buildings associated with a 1,300 year old Buddhist temple erected near where China's famous terracotta warriors were found. Ironically, the supposed reason for the destruction is to assist with an application to make the area a "World Heritage Site."
Should the US State Department authorize repatriation of every last unprovenanced Chinese coin when China cares so little for major religious sites?
Update: While archaeo-blogger Paul Barford contorts logic to justify the demolition of this important Buddhist site within China proper, far more troubling news has emerged that Chinese authorities have begun to demolish wide swaths of Tibet's capital, including another important temple, again in the name of progress.