China’s Alliance with Iran: A Threat to Christian Freedom
The International Christian Concern warns that China’s deepening alliance with Iran may lead to increased Christian persecution in both countries. This concern stems from Chinese President Xi Jinping’s reaffirmation of support for Iran during the BRICS summit. Both China and Iran are designated as Countries of Particular Concern by the U.S. due to their violations of religious freedoms, necessitating international vigilance against the heightened risks for Christians in these nations.
The International Christian Concern (ICC), a U.S.-based watchdog, has raised alarm regarding China’s strengthening alliance with Iran and its potential implications for the persecution of Christians in both nations. This warning follows remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit, where he emphasized China’s commitment to bolstering relations with Iran, stating, “No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran.” The BRICS summit, which took place in Russia, convened leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with ten other member states including Iran. The ICC noted that both China and Iran are classified by the U.S. Department of State as Countries of Particular Concern due to their severe violations of religious freedoms. “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,” the ICC stated in a communication to The Christian Post. China recently enforced new regulations mandating that all religious activities align with socialist values and the ideologies of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), compelling clergy to declare allegiance to the CCP. This follows a troubling trend of systemic abuse of Christians in China, which includes torture, harassment, and detention. Similarly, Iran has a notorious track record regarding its treatment of Christians, characterized by executions, imprisonments, and torture. The Iranian regime also provides support to groups engaged in terrorism, such as Hamas, which was implicated in the violent attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, that resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of numerous civilians. As Iran’s population is predominantly Muslim (approximately 98.5%, primarily Shi’a), Christians in the country face extensive persecution. The ICC emphasized that China’s support for Iran, despite its oppressive stance on religious minorities, underscores its misplaced priorities. Furthermore, the ICC pointed out that the collaboration of China and Iran poses a significant threat to Christians who have suffered admirably under both regimes. The BRICS alliance, according to the ICC, aims to disrupt Western dominance in global politics and economics, particularly seeking to challenge the supremacy of the U.S. dollar as the primary reserve currency on the world stage.
This article highlights the concerning implications of the strengthened alliance between China and Iran, particularly in the context of religious freedom and the persecution faced by Christians in both countries. The watchdog organization International Christian Concern provides insight into the ongoing Iraqi dynamics of faith-based persecution and the risks posed by geopolitical collaborations that prioritize power over human rights. The context of the BRICS summit and the recent policy changes in China further illustrate the growing constraints on religious freedom that Christians experience in authoritarian regimes, emphasizing the need for international attention and advocacy.
In conclusion, the partnership between China and Iran poses a significant risk to Christians in both nations, as highlighted by recent statements from the International Christian Concern. The increase in mutual support and cooperation between these regimes is likely to exacerbate existing pressures faced by religious minorities. The U.S. Department of State’s designation of both countries as Countries of Particular Concern serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for advocacy and intervention to uphold religious freedoms in these regions. Considering the historical context of oppression faced by Christians, the international community must remain vigilant in addressing these human rights violations.
Original Source: www.christianpost.com
