China unregistered churches crackdown: China’s government action against unregistered Christian churches appears to be intensifying. In early January 2026, hundreds of armed police personnel surrounded the Yayang Church in the city. During the operation, the cross installed on the church building was removed. The authorities described it as a step related to construction regulations, but the local Christian community and human rights groups see it as pressure on independent worship.
Growing pressure on house churches
Yayang Church is an unregistered Protestant house church that operates outside the state-controlled religious framework. According to reports, pressure on the church had been increasing since mid-December 2025. Several pastors and members were taken into custody for questioning. By January, the action had turned into a large-scale police campaign, indicating that the administration wants to bring such churches directly under state control.
Recognition only within the official framework
Christianity is formally recognized in China, but only through government-linked institutions. Protestant churches are required to affiliate with the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, while Catholic churches must function under the state-run Catholic association. Religious groups that refuse registration are considered illegal and face action.
A long history in the city called China’s Jerusalem
Wenzhou has long been regarded as a center of independent Christian communities and is often called “China’s Jerusalem.” In the past, the city has seen incidents such as removal of crosses, sealing of churches, and arrests of pastors. However, the recent steps are being seen as a more organized and coordinated campaign.
Similar action in other provinces
During the same period, several senior leaders in Shandong were taken into custody. Church authorities described this as a planned action. Meanwhile, people linked to the Golden Lampstand Church were sentenced in 2025 in alleged fraud cases, which human rights organizations described as a legal method to suppress religious activities.
Accusations of control through laws
Human rights groups say that revised religious laws have given the government wide powers of surveillance and punishment. According to critics, criminal laws are being used to restrict peaceful religious activities, steadily shrinking the space for independent faith in China.
Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.