The Freedom of the Church in China

Last week, the PRC, via the state-run "Patriotic" Catholic Church, installed a new bishop in Xuzhou, China.  Here is the statement from the Holy See, expressing regret over the ordination.  Here is the New York Times on the affair.  The Times informs us:

The Vatican asserts that it must control the selection of bishops, although it has allowed governments and dioceses to suggest possible candidates.

Although the mainland church does not take instructions from the Vatican, the Vatican has never declared a schism between itself and the churches in China. The Vatican has taken the position that the differences are political, and not differences of religious belief.

So worshipers and clergy members in the government-controlled mainland churches remain part of the communion of the faithful, as do those in underground churches on the mainland.

"Although the mainland church does not take instructions from the Vatican . . . ."  Classic.