Chinese authorities have detained 30 leaders of prominent underground christian churches in a sweeping crackdown on unregistered religious groups, sparking condemnation and strong criticism from the US and international human rights groups.
The arrest reportedly targets figures linked to the Zion church network, one of China’s largest unregistered “house church’’movements. These communities operate outside the state controlled three-self patriotic movements and have long resisted government supervision to register under government oversight, citing their right to practice faith freely. “Such systematic persecution is not only an affront to the Church of God but also a public challenge to the international community,” Zion Church said in a statement.
Analysts say the detentions are part of the wider effort to tighten control over the religion and suppress the groups that function independently of the communist party. The Chinese Communist Party promotes atheism and tightly controls religion and the government has increasingly targeted Christian congregations, Muslim minorities, and other religious groups it deems “unauthorized” or politically sensitive. Human rights advocates warn that the move can severely damage what remains of China’s religious freedom.
The United States urged Beijing to immediately release the detained church leaders, describing the action as a serious violation of religious freedom. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on Sunday that “this crackdown further demonstrates how the CCP exercises hostility towards Christians who reject Party interference in their faith and choose to worship at unregistered house churches”. Former US vice-president Mike Pence and former secretary of state Mike Pompeo have also released statements on X condemning the arrests.
Some of the British officials including the UK’s envoy of freedom of religion lord David Alton have demanded the immediate release of church leaders. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London said: “We would like to stress that the Chinese citizens enjoy freedom of religious belief in accordance with law. Meanwhile, all religious groups and religious activities must comply with the laws and regulations of China.” They argued that the crackdown violates both the Chinese constitution and international human rights obligations.
China officially recognizes five religions but requires them to register and follow strict state guidelines. Independent churches that refuse often face surveillance, raids, or closure. Experts warn that the latest detentions will deepen fear among millions of Christians who continue to worship in private homes and small gatherings.
Despite huge international pressure, many believers remain determined to continue their faith practices underground. As international attention grows, the coming weeks will test whether diplomatic pressure can influence China’s decisons—or whether its tightening control over religion will intensify further.
