The Vatican says the Holy See and Beijing have agreed to extend their provisional deal on the appointment of bishops in China for two more years.

The Vatican announced in a statement on Saturday that the 2018 accord is being extended for the second time. The deal was extended for the first time in 2020.

The statement says, "The Vatican Party is committed to continuing a respectful and constructive dialogue with the Chinese Party for a productive implementation of the Accord and further development of bilateral relations."

The Vatican's official media outlet says six bishops have been appointed in accordance with the procedures set out in the agreement.

Details of the accord have never been disclosed. But the deal is believed to allow both the Vatican and Beijing to have a say in the naming of bishops in China.

The Chinese government has long objected to the Pope's appointment of bishops. It believes the Pope is interfering in the country's internal affairs by doing so. This has created a split in China. There is a government-approved church and an underground church that is loyal to the pontiff.

The Vatican and China do not have diplomatic relations. Observers are wondering whether the extension will lead to the development of bilateral relations.