China’s recent support for Iran could worsen the persecution of Christians, warns the International Christian Concern (ICC). President Xi Jinping’s strong ties expressed during the BRICS summit raise concerns over religious freedom, as both nations are flagged by the U.S. for severe violations. New regulations in China demanding loyalty from clergy and the historical context of persecution in Iran exacerbate these fears, reflecting a troubling alignment that threatens religious minorities.
The recent declaration by China of its steadfast support for Iran has prompted serious concerns regarding the potential exacerbation of Christian persecution within both nations. The International Christian Concern (ICC), a watchdog organization based in the United States, has voiced its apprehension following remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit. President Xi emphasized the commitment of China to develop amicable cooperation with Iran, irrespective of international or regional developments. This summit, held in Russia and attended by leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, among others, reinforced existing ties between the two countries. The ICC highlighted that both China and Iran are classified as Countries of Particular Concern by the U.S. Department of State, a designation denoting countries that engage in or permit severe violations of religious freedoms. China and Iran have both garnered reputations as persecutors of Christians, with the ICC warning that their newfound solidarity could intensify efforts to suppress Christianity domestically. Recently, China has enacted strict regulations requiring religious observances, such as sermons, to adopt socialist values and align with Chinese characteristics. Furthermore, clergy members are obligated to demonstrate loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party. The ramifications of these policies have been dire. Numerous reports indicate that Christian symbols have been systematically replaced in churches by images of Communist leaders, particularly Xi Jinping and the late Mao Zedong. In Iran, the environment for Christians is equally precarious, with a history of executions, imprisonments, and torture of Christians. The ICC has also raised concerns about Iran’s support for terrorist organizations, particularly following the tragic events in Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties. The demographic landscape in Iran is predominantly Muslim, with approximately 98.5% identifying as Shi’a Muslims. In light of these developments, the ICC contends that the unwavering support between China and Iran, in spite of Iran’s ongoing persecution of Christians and association with terrorism, demonstrates a troubling alignment of priorities that jeopardizes religious freedom. They caution that the robust partnership between these two nations heightens the threat faced by Christians who have long endured oppression under their respective regimes. Moreover, the ICC claims that the BRICS coalition aims to disrupt Western dominance in global politics and undermine the supremacy of the U.S. dollar as the leading reserve currency.
The topic at hand pertains to the alliance between China and Iran, particularly in the context of their shared stance on Christian persecution. Both countries have been recognized by the U.S. government as engaging in severe violations of religious freedom, which escalates concerns for religious minorities, notably Christians. The ICC highlights the implications of their collaboration amid a backdrop of ongoing oppression, as well as the geopolitical landscape shaped by the BRICS summit, where these nations solidify ties against a commonly perceived Western hegemony.
In summary, the alliance between China and Iran poses a significant threat to Christians in both nations, given their histories of persecution and oppressive policies against religious freedoms. The support reaffirmed by President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit raises alarms among international observers and religious communities, who fear increased oppression as both countries consolidate their power and pursue shared objectives. The ICC’s warnings underscore the urgent need for global awareness and intervention to protect vulnerable populations from state-sponsored persecution.
Original Source: www.christianpost.com
