The Chinese government and the Vatican have extended a provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops in China for a further four years. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian confirmed the move in Beijing on Tuesday. He told journalists that Communist-ruled China and the Catholic Church want to further improve their relations. The agreement regulates the appointment of bishops in China, but the process involved is unclear because the document has not been published. The pope alone decides on the appointment of bishops, but there are concerns that Beijing could exert influence. The provision…