In a recent opinion piece published by The Washington Times, Representatives Chris Smith and Dale Strong highlighted the ongoing repression of Christians in China. They detailed a December incident where armed police reportedly dismantled crosses and arrested over 100 members of unregistered Protestant “house churches” near Wenzhou, an area often referred to as the “Jerusalem of China” for its significant Christian population.
The lawmakers described how authorities continue to crack down on independent religious groups, with six members of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu recently arrested and charged with national security crimes for meeting and worshipping. The church’s founder, Pastor Wang Yi, was previously sentenced to nine years in prison following a major raid in 2018.
Smith and Strong argued that these actions are part of broader efforts by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to keep religious life within strict state-defined boundaries. They wrote: “The intent of this operation was clear: Meet outside the state’s approved religious system, and you will be treated as a national security problem rather than a community of faith.”
Under President Xi Jinping, they said this policy has intensified into what officials call “Sinicization,” aiming to align all faith communities with state priorities. The representatives noted that house churches are targeted because they operate independently from government oversight.
They also pointed out that authorities have taken similar measures against other church networks, such as the Zion Church network led by Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri. Eighteen leaders were arrested under accusations related to illegal use of information networks—a charge reflecting attempts by the CCP to control online communication among believers.
As President Trump prepares for talks with General Secretary Xi Jinping in China this month, Smith and Strong urged U.S. leaders to address religious freedom directly with Beijing. They suggested several steps: naming detainees publicly; having top U.S. officials meet families of detained American citizens; imposing targeted sanctions on those responsible for abuses; and treating religious freedom diplomacy as a matter tied to national security.
“First, we must make the cases impossible to bury. Naming detainees, churches and the officials responsible denies Beijing the advantage of operating in darkness… Signaling to victims…that the U.S. will stand with them is critically important,” they wrote.
They further stated: “The Oval Office is the nation’s most powerful megaphone… Used wisely, it can elevate the issue to the highest level and make one point unmistakable… The freedom to worship is a core American principle and interest.”
Smith and Strong called for visa restrictions or sanctions against individuals involved in abuses against Christians or other faith groups: “If you’re responsible for the arrest or torture of pastors for peaceful worship, you shouldn’t be allowed to benefit from the U.S. banking system or tourism in the United States.”
They argued that promoting religious freedom also supports American interests abroad because societies protecting such freedoms tend toward stability and better trade relations.
The article referenced findings from last year’s Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) hearing where former ambassador Sam Brownback emphasized links between ending persecution abroad and enhancing U.S. security options.
Smith and Strong cited reports that Chinese authorities attempt not only domestic repression but also intimidation tactics reaching into diaspora communities abroad—including threats against family members still living in China—and pressure on American churches.
“Chinese agents have threatened Mr. Jin’s family multiple times to stop their public advocacy for his release,” they wrote. “It must stop.”
They concluded: “Looking away doesn’t reduce diplomatic tension; it teaches autocrats that intimidation works… If we want an Indo-Pacific where law and commerce can flourish, then we should treat religious freedom as a strategic priority because the U.S. will be safer and more prosperous when people of conscience are allowed to be free.”
Chris Smith currently serves as representative for New Jersey’s 4th district since replacing Frank Thompson in 1981 (https://chrissmith.house.gov/biography/). He was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953, lives in Manchester Township, graduated from The College of New Jersey with a BS degree in 1975 (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/S000522).
The full opinion article can be accessed at https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/4/christians-face-brutal-year-china-dont-let-beijing-bury-repression/
