China's alliance with Iran could intensify Christian persecution, a watchdog warns
China's recent pledge of unwavering support to Iran could intensify the persecution of Christians in both countries, warns the American group International Christian Concern. The concern comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping asserted strong ties with Iran during the annual BRICS summit.
According to Chinese news media Xinhua, President Xi stated at the summit, “No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unwaveringly develop friendly cooperation with Iran.”
The BRICS summit, held in Russia, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with 10 member countries, including Iran.
The prosecution watchdog ICC noted that both China and Iran are designated as Countries of Particular Concern by the US Department of State, a designation given to nations that engage in or tolerate gross violations of religious freedom.
“China and Iran are known persecutors of Christians, and their mutual support could lead to increased persecution as both countries work to eliminate the practice of Christianity within their borders,” ICC said in a statement sent to The Christian Post.
On September 1, China implemented new measures requiring religious activities, including sermons, to integrate socialist values and Chinese characteristics, ICC pointed out. Clergymen are ordered to pledge their allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party.
These measures come after years in which thousands of Christians endured torture, harassment and imprisonment at the hands of communist authorities.
In a recent report, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom revealed that Chinese authorities have replaced Christian symbols with images of communist leaders and party slogans across many churches in the country, citing numerous cases where crosses and religious images have been removed from churches and replaced with portraits. of Xi and the late Chairman Mao Zedong.
Similarly, Iran has a long history of executing, imprisoning and torturing Christians, the ICC said, adding that the nation also supports terrorist organizations, including Hamas, which was responsible for the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel that resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people who were tortured and killed, including some 40 Americansand more than 254 other hostages taken, many also raped or tortured and killed.
The Muslim population in Iran is around 98.5%, with the majority being Shi'a Muslims.
“China's unrelenting support for Iran, regardless of Iran's persecution of Christians and support for terrorists, shows the world where its priorities lie,” ICC stated. “The combined power of the two nations is also raising alarm among Christians who have already endured years of abuse and imprisonment under the two regimes.”
According to ICC, the BRICS group aims to disrupt the global balance of power held by the West and end the dominance of the US dollar as the leading global reserve currency.
Source: www.christianpost.com