"Raise a Corpse From the Dead" is one of the famous 36 Tricks, the military stratagems that have influenced generals and leaders in China since long before the Art of War.   This particular proverb’s rough meaning is that, when the time is right, one should resurrect some person, thing or idea long-abandoned or ignored and use it to one’s own advantage.

For a classic example of this idea in action, look no further than China’s reaction to Pope Bendict’s comments on Islam. Never ones to miss an opportunity to lay into the Taiwan-friendly Holy See (which is in keeping with another one of the 36 strategies: "Loot a burning house") Chinese authorities have stoked the pope’s troubles by ensuring that the voices of Chinese muslims are heard loud and clear amidst the international clamour. 

To do so, they have raised the corpse of Chen Guangyuan, head of the Islamic Association of China. Normally utterly anonymous, today he has been let off the leash so that he can have a go at the Pope and register the upset of China’s Islamic community.  The publication of his comments is surprising since religious leaders in China, even those like Mr Chen who are appointed by the Party, almost never make comments in public, particularly on matters of international politics.  But the leadership has apparently judged that in order to have a dig at the Vatican it is worth giving domestic religious figureheads like Mr. Chen the oxygen of publicity. 

"This has gravely hurt the feelings of the Muslims across the world, including those from China," Chen said, in a report published by Xinhua. "Both the Islamic Association of China and Chinese Muslim would here express their anger and condemnation over Benedict’s words.  We strongly request Pope Benedict XVI to immediately take back his words and apologize openly and in person." 

No doubt many of China’s Muslims were angry at the pope’s comments, but it is hard to take Mr Chen’s comments seriously considering that he apparently stays schtum on almost every other matter affecting his flock in China, and only appears on the scene at politically serendipitous occasions

A quick search for Chen Guangyuan’s name on the People’s Daily website reveals that the last time this particular corpse was exhumed was in June, when he was trotted out to refute American allegations of religious persecution in China.  "We feel cheated; we made a lot of effort to ensure the commission saw the true situation and we hoped they would tell the truth in their report" said Mr Chen at the time.