On July 27, Shaolin Temple issued an official statement: Abbot Shi Yongxin is suspected of criminal offences and is currently under joint investigation by multiple departments. (Screenshot from the internet)
[People News] On July 27, 2025, a post on the official Shaolin Temple website sent shockwaves across China and the world: "Abbot Shi Yongxin of the Shaolin Temple has embezzled and misappropriated project funds and temple assets; he has seriously violated Buddhist precepts and maintained improper relationships with multiple women over a long period, even fathering illegitimate children. He is currently under joint investigation by multiple departments. Further updates will be announced to the public in due course." The revelation ignited a media storm. As more information came to light, it became clear that Shi Yongxin’s downfall wasn’t simply about corruption or misconduct—his political ambitions may have played a far more dangerous role.
I. Shaolin’s “Number One Monk” and His Political Aspirations
According to NetEase News, on February 1, 2025, Shi Yongxin traveled to the Vatican without the authorization of the Chinese Communist Party, posing as a “special envoy” and met with Pope Francis, apparently in an attempt to elevate his international status. The visit was arranged by an organization called the Europe-Asia Center, a nonprofit established in Brussels in 2021 to promote cultural, religious, and sustainable development cooperation between Asia and Europe.
On February 3, 2025, the Europe-Asia Centre posted a report titled "High-Level Meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis". Attendees included Shi Yongxin, Secretary-General Yan Rui, Europe Affairs Director Jonathan Swieczka, and the Pope himself. The core theme was interreligious dialogue to promote global peace. They also met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, discussing Buddhism-Catholicism dialogue, spiritual aspects of meditation, and the role of self-reflection in a world dominated by social media and AI.
This was not Shi Yongxin’s first international appearance. In November 2024, the Europe-Asia Center invited him to high-level cultural exchange events in Brussels, where he participated as Vice President of the Chinese Buddhist Association and a Senior Cultural Advisor to the Center. While framed as cultural diplomacy, the agenda leaned heavily toward climate action and UN Sustainable Development Goals, subjects largely unrelated to religion.
During the trip, Shi met with diplomats, including Canada’s ambassador to Vietnam, and representatives from Japanese and Vietnamese embassies. The focus was on multilateral cooperation for cultural understanding and sustainability—areas far beyond his religious mandate.
II. Why Was Shi Yongxin Investigated?
Chinese state-affiliated media Caixin hinted that Shi's enormous wealth had drawn Beijing’s attention.
Back in 2015, someone using the pseudonym Shi Zhengyi accused Shi Yongxin of having dual household registrations, an illegitimate daughter, and financial misconduct. The case was dismissed due to “insufficient evidence.” But by 2022, Shi had expanded into real estate, spending 452 million RMB to purchase land. Reports also surfaced that he controlled 18 companies, though business registry data currently links him to eight institutions. Beyond China, the Shaolin Temple has established over 50 cultural centres worldwide.
Shi’s wealth, romantic entanglements, and secret children have long been open secrets. If financial or moral misconduct were the only reasons, it’s unlikely his fall would have been delayed until now.
In November 2024, Shi published an article in the joint media platform Sustainable Development—co-sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, WTO/FTA Advisory Network, UN agencies, and others—titled "Shi Yongxin Speaks at COP29: Integrating Zen Wisdom to Address Global Challenges."
Some political commentators have analysed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is heavily investing in the development of artificial intelligence. During Shi Yongxin’s meeting with the Christian Pope in the Vatican in February 2025, he reflected on AI—possibly even criticising it—and his remarks may have been recorded. After returning to China, he was reportedly subjected to travel restrictions (border control).
At the Vatican, during the meeting with the Pope, a monk accompanying Shi Yongxin was seen leaning forward and bowing his head under the Pope’s hand in full view of the public. This action raised questions—was this symbolic of a Buddhist monk converting to Christianity? The intention behind this act remains unclear and suspicious.
Shi Yongxin’s wealth, reckless speech, and grand ambitions may be the real reasons behind the CCP’s investigation. His ambitious overreach likely crossed a red line and touched a political nerve in Beijing. Yet this offence is one that cannot be openly acknowledged or publicly disclosed by the authorities.
Another key question is: who is investigating Shi Yongxin? According to a report from Caixin, the “Shaolin Temple Management Office” took over control of the temple in May. The personnel involved are from Zhengzhou and Dengfeng’s religious affairs bureaus and the United Front Work Department—meaning the investigation is being handled internally within Zhengzhou, Henan Province.
Journalist Jiang Wangzheng also revealed that the United Front Work Department is currently in the political spotlight. Wang Huning has been rumoured to be involved in South Korea’s presidential election, and the visit of Taiwan’s celebrity “館長” (the fitness influencer and media figure) to mainland China is considered a major success of the United Front’s outreach efforts. Shi Yongxin’s successor is reportedly about to be appointed—Venerable Yin Le, the current abbot of Baima Temple.
As a Buddhist monk, Shi Yongxin not only controlled immense wealth but also frequently met with foreign political figures—and even exerted influence over domestic policies and cultural narratives. His motives and influence have understandably raised eyebrows.
III. Another Global Figure: Ma Xingrui
Journalist Jiang Wangzheng reported that Ma Xingrui's wife, Rong Li, has been detained, and four of his trusted aides (“white gloves”) have also been arrested. The case allegedly implicates Peng Liyuan, the wife of Xi Jinping, who may now face restricted movement. This raises the question: Is Ma Xingrui next? According to whistleblower Zhai Shanying, Ma Xingrui has close ties with Jiang Zemin’s family, including financial dealings. If Ma is eventually taken down, the pattern would closely resemble Shi Yongxin’s case: ostensibly about money, but fundamentally about ambition.
Ma Xingrui’s credentials are impressive. In 2007, he was elected a member of the International Academy of Astronautics, founded by American physicist Theodore von Kármán. He held senior positions in international aerospace bodies, including Honorary Chair of the 64th International Astronautical Congress in Beijing. He played a key role in promoting China’s space cooperation with Brazil, France, Germany, Russia, and others.
Thus, Ma Xingrui has long been an influential political and economic elite on the international stage. If Shi Yongxin had ambitions, Ma's are likely far greater. △
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