China’s Continuing Religious Repression: A Call for Advocacy

Pastor’s Struggle and Release

The story of Pastor Ezra Jin highlights ongoing religious repression in China. Freed from imprisonment after President Trump raised his case with President Xi Jinping, Jin’s ordeal stems from leading the Zion Church in Beijing, an independent Christian church outside Chinese Communist Party control.

Religious Control and Persecution

In China, all religious groups face pressure to conform to CCP standards. Those who resist face harassment, detention, or worse. These actions are exemplified by well-documented forced organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners, a spiritual movement targeted by the CCP for severe punishment.

Forced organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners highlights China’s harsh measures against non-conformist religious groups.

Ten Catholic bishops are detained for rebelling against CCP commands. Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong, a long-time respected figure, faced conviction recently due to non-compliance with a secret agreement between the Chinese government and the Vatican concerning the appointment of bishops.

Cases of Religious Leaders and Communities

The abduction of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Panchen Lama, underscores the CCP’s control. Religious leaders not aligned with Beijing’s program encounter intimidation, detention, or disappearance.

Global Implications of Chinese Policies

China’s system of religious control contrasts with the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Beyond its borders, the CCP employs harassment, disinformation, and legal tactics against dissidents worldwide. Nearly 300 threats against Falun Gong practitioners in the U.S. have been recorded.

China’s manipulation of American institutions to oppress dissidents continues. Recently, Anthropic reported China’s intelligence operations targeting overseas communities, including using AI platforms to compile dossiers.

Advocacy for Freedom and Action

President Trump plans to discuss this coercive system during Xi’s upcoming U.S. visit. Nations that restrict religious freedom are not trustworthy partners. The importance of standing against oppressive regimes and supporting individuals who choose faith over submission cannot be overstated.

Trump is recognized for challenging China through tariffs and undermining its allies, showing a willingness to confront a regime that threatens global freedom. Advocating for individuals defying CCP orders remains crucial.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Opportunities for bold action against CCP religious oppression persist. Reagan’s confrontation with the Soviet regime serves as a historical precedent, emphasizing that with faith should come the courage to demand freedom.

When Xi visits Washington, President Trump should affirm that Beijing’s cross-border interference is intolerable and reinforce support for religious and personal freedom.