China’s New Regulations Tighten Control Over Foreign Religious Activity

China Tightens Control Over Religious Practices, Raising Global Concerns

Amid increasing global scrutiny, China’s latest regulatory measures have sparked a fresh wave of concern about religious freedoms. These new rules specifically target foreign Christian missionaries, restricting their participation in activities such as preaching and training without prior state consent. The Chinese government has also unilaterally appointed two new Catholic bishops, bypassing Vatican approval in the process.

The revised “Implementation Rules for the Administration of Religious Activities of Foreigners” have introduced stringent limitations on the role of foreigners in Christian religious education, worship, and charity. The regulations categorically ban foreigners from preaching, distributing religious texts beyond personal use, and participating in faith-based initiatives without official clearance.

Under these rules, foreign missionaries are prohibited from organizing Bible studies, fundraising, or accessing online religious platforms unless they have received explicit permission from Chinese authorities. Additionally, Chinese citizens are not allowed to partake in activities led by foreign missionaries or to accept aid from overseas Christian organizations.

Non-compliance with these new regulations could lead to fines, deportation, or legal action against foreigners. Even when religious events are legal, obtaining the necessary permits through government channels remains a challenge, as approvals are rarely granted.

Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland, stated: “These laws effectively criminalise most forms of Christian witness and missionary work by foreigners in China.” She further added, “They are the latest sign that China’s government is determined to bring every expression of Christianity under its control — or erase it.”

The organization Open Doors UK & Ireland, which provides both practical and spiritual support to persecuted Christians, has voiced concerns over Beijing’s growing interference in the Catholic Church, which has added strain to its already delicate relationship with the Vatican.

In a move that raised international concerns, the Chinese government recently appointed Joseph Huang Bingzhang and Anthony Xu Jiwei as Catholic bishops without the required papal consent. This action came shortly after the passing of Pope Francis, putting the 2018 Vatican-China agreement, aimed at jointly managing bishop appointments, in question.

Henrietta Blyth emphasized, “These developments show us that China is not simply trying to manage religion—it is trying to remake it in the image of the Party. Christians in China are being cut off from the global Church and placed under growing surveillance and control. The international community must not look away.”

Domestically, the situation for Chinese Christians continues to worsen under Xi Jinping’s leadership. The government endorses state-approved “patriotic churches” while intensifying its crackdown on house churches. Raids, arrests, and censorship have become frequent occurrences, and the distribution of Bibles is closely regulated.

According to the Open Doors 2024 World Watch List, China ranks 19th among the most difficult countries for practicing Christianity. In light of these developments, Open Doors is calling on the British government and the international community to apply diplomatic pressure on Beijing to uphold religious freedoms.

Blyth concluded with an appeal: “We urge the Church here in the UK to pray — and to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in China.”