China imposes New Bans on Missionary Work, claims it’s for national security

China has enforced strict rules on foreign missionaries, prohibiting them from preaching or forming religious organizations without prior approval to protect national security.

The Chinese Communist Party has announced new restrictions effective May 1 that tighten its crackdown on Christianity. These rules prohibit non-Chinese citizens in China from preaching without authorization, setting up religious schools, producing or selling religious literature, accepting religious donations, or recruiting Chinese followers.

According to the Mission News Network, this decision reflects the regime’s commitment to suppressing religious freedom. Foreign clergy can only preach if invited by state-sanctioned institutions, and the government must approve all content.

Chinese state media argue that these restrictions promote national security and protect “normal religious activities,” which the CCP defines as those conducted within state-controlled institutions. Independent religious groups operating outside government-approved boundaries are often labeled as cults or extremists.

This new legislation reflects President Xi Jinping’s ongoing effort to tighten control over religious practices in China. Since 2016, Xi has sought to “Sinicize” all religions to ensure their loyalty aligns with Communist Party priorities.

State-run religious institutions, such as the Protestant Three-Self Church and the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, have become the approved avenues for religious activities.

This shift has adversely affected the independent house church movement, leading to frequent raids and arrests as authorities target groups seen as threats to “political security and social stability.” If you are a state-run church, then the truth of the Bible is not being taught.

A report from China’s Global Times earlier this year discussed the intensified efforts of public security to dismantle independent religious groups in 2024. The Ministry of Public Security admitted to increasing investment in surveillance technology and personnel to monitor these organizations.

China uses extensive surveillance to track citizens’ movements and assess their loyalty to the Communist Party. This system targets individuals associated with unregistered house churches or non-state-sanctioned religious practices. Chinese officials maintain that religious freedom exists, though under strict controls.

Religious organizations in China say the new regulation will complicate foreign engagement but will not entirely stop religious activities. Organizations like Bibles for China, which work within state-sanctioned frameworks, may not face immediate consequences from new regulations.

However, foreign funding for religious initiatives in China is under increased scrutiny, making missionary efforts, such as visits and meetings with pastors, more challenging.

Arielle Del Turco, director of the Center for Religious Liberty at the Family Research Council, voiced strong concerns about China’s actions. She unequivocally stated to The Stand that China’s national security rationale is misguided. Furthermore, the ban on foreign missionaries will likely significantly damage China’s international relations.

Del Turco urged the U.S. government to monitor developments in China due to potential risks for American visitors. She advised leaders to publicly condemn the Chinese government’s actions and stay vigilant about religious freedom in the country.

The country known as the “Red Dragon” is China.

Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

Revelation 12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Revelation 12:7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

Revelation 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is an antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

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