WORLD WATCH LIST

China

#19

Technology is being used to target Christians, especially in house churches. 

"We're feeling nervous, fearful and worried, as it’s our first time to encounter this. Are we being blacklisted—will our travels be restricted?”

– Qiang, Chinese secret believer

Country
Profile

Region: Asia
Sources of persecution: Communist And Post-Communist Oppression
Population: 1,452,128,000
Christian population: 96,700,000
Religions: Agnosticism
Leader: President Xi Jinping
Score: 78

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What’s Life Like For Christians?

Persecution and discrimination are slowly spreading throughout most of China. The Chinese Communist Party’s goal is to ensure churches don’t fall out of line with official viewpoints. In the case of official churches, this means they are encouraged to praise and pledge allegiance to the Communist Party and its ideology. Churches that claim Christ as King are viewed with suspicion, especially since Christianity is seen as a primarily Western influence.

New regulations continue to chip away at this status quo. Children under 18 continue to be forbidden from attending church. Most churches are monitored and can be shut down without warning. 

Digital persecution also impacts the church in China. Restrictions passed in 2018 as part of a wide-ranging law on religion have made it harder for Christians to use the Internet or social media to pursue their faith.

The government’s growing authoritarianism means that every Chinese citizen can be sure that none of their digital footprint is out of the state’s view. Christian chat groups are routinely shut down, and the government’s sophisticated surveillance system has been rolled out to target minority groups in some regions. Observers fear this technology will increasingly be used to target Christians, especially those in house churches.

Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?

Across China, Christians and Christian churches face increasing restrictions and monitoring. As the persecution grows more and more digital, no place in China is completely free from pressure. Anyone belonging to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is technically not allowed to participate in any spiritual activities.

Converts from a Muslim or Buddhist minority ethnic group background face the most severe violations of religious freedom in China.

PRAY FOR CHINA

– Pray for wisdom for Christians amid rapidly changing circumstances.

– Pray for strength for young people who are not allowed to attend church.

– Ask God to strengthen and encourage church leaders who are pressured and monitored.

Group of Chinese believers sitting on stairwell

What Does Open Doors Do To Help?

Through local partners and churches, Open Doors supports believers in China with discipleship and persecution survival training, helping serve the younger generation, and by providing Christian literature to believers who have converted from Islam or Buddhism.