Crackdown on China's Underground Churches Sparks Global Concern
Chinese authorities detained dozens of pastors from one of the largest underground churches in a significant religious crackdown. This move drew criticism from the U.S., highlighting ongoing China-U.S. tensions. The detained pastors, including Zion Church's founder Jin Mingri, face charges related to unauthorized online religious activities.
Chinese authorities have detained dozens of pastors from the country's largest underground churches over the weekend, in the most significant crackdown on Christians since 2018, according to church sources and relatives of those affected.
This action coincides with heightened China-U.S. tensions, following Beijing's expansion of rare earth export controls. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the detentions, labeling them as a dire affront to religious freedom, and called for the immediate release of the imprisoned pastors.
The church's founder, Pastor Jin Mingri, faces accusations of 'illegal use of information networks,' a charge punishable by up to seven years in prison. The detentions highlight the Chinese government's ongoing campaign against religious groups, contrasting with state-sanctioned churches.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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