Beijing has intensified its campaign against unregistered Christian congregations, raiding an underground church in the eastern province of Zhejiang and detaining several worshippers, according to state media reports. The operation, conducted by local police and religious affairs officials, targeted a “house church” operating without government approval. The UK Foreign Office swiftly condemned the move, calling it a violation of religious freedom and urging China to uphold international human rights commitments.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort by Chinese authorities to enforce regulations requiring all religious groups to register with the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Unauthorised gatherings, particularly those deemed to have foreign links, face increasing scrutiny under President Xi Jinping’s campaign to limit foreign influence and ensure ideological conformity. The Zhejiang raid comes weeks after a similar closure of an underground church in Henan province.
Human rights organisations have documented a surge in religious repression across China, with Christians, Uyghur Muslims, and Tibetan Buddhists among those most affected. The UK Foreign Office statement, issued by a spokesperson, said: “We are deeply concerned by reports of the raid in Zhejiang. Everyone has the right to practise their religion freely, and we call on Chinese authorities to respect this fundamental freedom.” The statement also noted that the government had raised the issue through diplomatic channels.
Beijing has dismissed such criticism as interference in internal affairs. The Chinese Embassy in London said the operation was conducted in accordance with Chinese law and that religious freedom is protected when conducted within legal frameworks. “China has laws regulating religious activities. All religious groups must register to operate legally. Those who break the law face consequences,” a spokesperson said.
Analysts said the timing of the raid, just ahead of the annual US-China human rights dialogue, signals Beijing’s determination to resist international pressure. “China is making a point that it will not alter domestic policies based on international criticism,” said one observer based in Shanghai. The UK, for its part, is seeking to position itself as a defender of human rights post-Brexit, but its limited leverage with Beijing has constrained its ability to effect change.
The crackdown has drawn attention to the growing influence of China’s Christian underground, which the government views as a potential source of instability and foreign subversion. House churches, which often lack official registration, have thrived in recent years, especially in coastal provinces. The Communist Party’s recent emphasis on “Sinicising” religion has intensified pressure on these groups.
As the UK Foreign Office continues its public condemnation, the immediate impact on the ground remains limited. The detained worshippers in Zhejiang are expected to face administrative penalties rather than criminal charges, local sources indicated. But the broader picture is clear: China’s campaign against unapproved religious practice shows no sign of abating, and diplomatic friction with Western capitals is likely to persist.
