China has introduced new rules severely limiting the ability of foreign missionaries to engage in Christian ministry, sparking concern among religious freedom advocates worldwide.
The updated regulations, known as the “Implementation Rules for the Administration of Religious Activities of Foreigners,” ban foreign Christians from preaching, teaching, sharing religious materials, or leading Bible studies without government approval. Even charitable or online religious activities must now be cleared by state authorities.
Chinese citizens are also prohibited from participating in or receiving support from foreign-led Christian efforts. Violating these rules could result in deportation, legal penalties, or fines.
Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland, called the changes alarming. “These laws effectively criminalise most forms of Christian witness and missionary work by foreigners in China,” she said. “They are the latest sign that China’s government is determined to bring every expression of Christianity under its control — or erase it.”
In a related move, the Chinese government recently appointed two Catholic bishops—Joseph Huang Bingzhang and Anthony Xu Jiwei—without Vatican approval. The appointments came soon after the death of Pope Francis, raising questions about China’s commitment to a 2018 agreement with the Vatican on bishop nominations.
Observers say this signals a deepening effort by Beijing to reshape religion to align with Communist Party values. “China is not simply trying to manage religion—it is trying to remake it in the image of the Party,” Blyth added.
The crackdown is part of a broader trend under President Xi Jinping, where unregistered house churches face raids, arrests, and surveillance. Official “patriotic churches” are allowed, but are tightly controlled. Bible distribution is monitored, and censorship of Christian materials is widespread.
China currently ranks 19th on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most persecution.
Open Doors is calling on the UK government and international leaders to pressure China to uphold religious freedoms. Blyth urged churches in the West to pray for persecuted believers in China and to stand in solidarity with them.
