The Upcoming U.S.-China Summit Cannot Ignore Victims of China’s Religious Freedom Repression

The Upcoming U.S.-China Summit Cannot Ignore Victims of China's Religious Freedom Repression

Washington, DC - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urges President Donald J. Trump to advocate for greater religious freedom for the people of China. During his state visit to China, reportedly planned for May 14-15, President Trump should insist on the release of prisoners detained for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB).

"The U.S. government has long demonstrated its commitment to advancing religious freedom in China, including the determination of the Chinese Communist Party's genocide of Uyghurs as well as public advocacy for prisoners such as Dr. Gulshan Abbas, Pastor Ezra Jin, and Jimmy Lai," said Chair Vicky Hartzler. "President Trump has a unique opportunity to boldly and directly enjoin Chinese President Xi Jinping to turn the tide of religious repression in China by releasing freedom of religion or belief prisoners."

Since President Trump's last presidential state visit to Beijing in 2017, the Chinese Communist Party, or CCP, has executed a coercive and far-reaching "sinicization of religion" policy-with a particularly destructive impact on ethno-religious minorities and Christian house churches.

"Under Xi Jinping, religious freedom has worsened to a horrific degree," said Vice Chair Asif Mahmood. "We commend the U.S. Congress for its tireless advocacy on behalf of freedom of religion or belief victims through bipartisan legislation, resolutions, hearings, and other forms of engagement. We also encourage President Trump, while in Beijing, to drive home the message that his Administration cannot tolerate the ongoing mass repression of China's beleaguered religious communities."

USCIRF recommended in its 2026 Annual Reportthat the U.S. Department of State redesignate China as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. USCIRF raised China's abysmal religious freedom conditions during its "FoRB Violations Against Christians Abroad" hearing in January 2026 and its "State-Controlled Religion in China" hearing in October 2025.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion or belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].