China's Digital Clampdown

 Xi Jinping's books on display - Photo: ChinaAid www.chinaid.org
The government-run Shamian Christian Church bookstore prominently displays Xi Jinping's books.
Photo: ChinaAid

As part of the ongoing crackdown on Christianity in China, Communist authorities have removed Bible apps and blocked Christian "WeChat" public accounts. Additionally, hard copies of Bibles are no longer available for sale online, and bookstores owned by the state-sanctioned Three-Self Churches have been increasingly displaying the teachings of President Xi Jinping rather than Christian books.

When someone attempts to access one of the banned "WeChat" accounts, a message appears stating that the account violated the "Internet User Public Account Information Services Management Provisions" and therefore has been blocked and suspended.

Those wishing to access Bible apps have had to use a VPN to circumvent the government-controlled firewall. However, the government has been stepping up its efforts to shut down such VPNs. To learn more about the persecution of Christians in China, and to review previously published reports, go to our country report.

Ask God to grant wisdom to the many persecuted Christians in China who are seeking ways to grow in their faith and continue boldly reaching out to others around them with the message of the Gospel. May they be encouraged by the knowledge that nothing can stop the Word of God, even in the midst of escalating restrictions. Pray that China's governing authorities will come to personally understand that Jesus is indeed "the Way, the Truth and the Life," and turn to Him in faith.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    The Voice of the Martyrs Canada continues to help distribute Bibles to Christians in the country, making it possible for them to have their own printed version of God's Word. Additionally, VOMC works with various mission partners to facilitate a Biblical understanding of persecution and discipleship, while presenting ways to effectively respond and minister within the context of hostility.

    Project Funds: Underground Church, Bible, Relief & Development

  • Country Information

    Population
    1,413,142,846 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Han Chinese (91.1), ethnic minorities (8.9 - includes Zhang, Hui, Manchu, Uighur, Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol, Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani, Li, Kazakh, Dai, and other nationalities) (2021 est.)

    Religion (%)
    Folk religion (21.9), Buddhist (18.2), Christian (5.1), Muslim (1.8), Hindu (< 0.1), Jewish (< 0.1), other (0.7 - includes Daoist [Taoist]), unaffiliated (52.1) (2021 est.)

    Leader
    President Xi Jinping (2013)

    Government type
    Communist party-led state

    Legal system
    Based on civil law system; influenced by Soviet and continental European civil law systems

    Sources: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for China

    Pray that the Gospel will be proclaimed throughout China without government interference so many more names can be added to the Lamb's "Book of Life." May there also be a spirit of unity demonstrated among the country's growing churches, further strengthening existing believers and spurring them on in their ministry service and evangelistic outreach within the country's numerous communities.

China News