Although China’s official stance on religion is based on Marxist-Leninist-Maoist atheism (i.e. that religion will die out when social conditions develops sufficiently)
The idea that religion is neglected when social conditions are advanced enough is actually very old, as the Buddhist Abhidharma describes the Northern Continent's inhabitants as prosperous and long living, but indifferent to religion.
Still according to the Abhidharma, affluent desire realm gods are mainly indifferent to religion too, as they spend most of their time enjoying sensual pleasures from party to party.
This idea might explain why theocratic regimes from European Catholic middle ages to old, feudal Tibet seemed to be so happy with mass poverty and serfdom.
It might explain as well the growing popularity of Islam and of manifold Christian churches among the impoverished masses in underdeveloped countries.
Therefore, China's official attitude towards religion, beyond mere Marxist dogma, may have a basis on factual observation as much, as confirmed by the Abhidharma.
Therefore, wisely aiming at reducing the political leverage of religion, Chinese rulers make a conscious effort to bring development and well-being to the masses.
Conversely, religious fanatics poisoned by the evil dalie's propaganda, such as the imprisoned old Tibetan man, are just playing in the hands of disgruntled, exiled ex-landlords eager to revive old feudal theocratic Tibet, with the usual help of Western neo-colonialist-imperialists, whence the Western-sponsored Radio Free Asia's article trying to portray the perverted old man as a “victim” of Chinese “oppression”.
