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| U.S. Representative Chris Smith, left, listens as ChinaAid President Bob Fu translates the testimony of Chen Guangcheng, a blind Chinese lawyer who was persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party, during a congressional meeting on May 3, 2012. (Photo: ChinaAid) |
ChinaAid
(Washington, D.C.—Dec. 20, 2018) U.S. Representative Chris Smith and Senator Marco Rubio released a statement condemning China’s persecution of Christians yesterday through the organization they co-chair, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC).
The statement, issued as a press release through the CECC, voiced Smith and Rubio’s concerns about the “escalating crackdown against Christians in China, including the forced closure of prominent Protestant churches, confiscation of church property and harassment and detention of church and lay leaders alike.” They said China’s efforts to force religion to align with its ideals, a process known as “Sinicization,” has taken a “devastating human toll” and called for Chinese officials to be forced to answer for their abuses.
As part of their “Sinicization” attempts, China revised its Regulations on Religious Affairs in February and implemented new, harsher restrictions on churches, which has led to the demolition of churches and crosses as well as the arrest of many Christians and the beating and severe harassment of others.
Efforts to suppress Muslims in China’s northwestern Xinjiang have also resulted in catastrophe, with more than 1 million innocent people being held in “re-education camps,” where they are tortured, starved, and forced to study Chinese propaganda. The Chinese government also interferes with the lives of Tibetan Buddhists, as evidenced by the renowned closure of Larung Gar.
ChinaAid applauds Smith and Rubio for taking a stance against the abuses occurring in China and urges other policymakers to similarly press China on its human rights and religious freedom abuses.
ChinaAid exposes abuses in order to stand in solidarity with the persecuted and promote religious freedom, human rights, and rule of law. If you wish to partner with us in helping those persecuted by the Chinese government for their beliefs, please click here to make a charitable donation.
ChinaAid Media Team
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