China Frees Pastor After Trump Raised Case with Xi
China has freed pastor Ezra Jin Mingri. He leads Zion Church which is one of China's largest churches operating without government approval.
He arrived in Los Angeles on 4 July 2026. That date is US Independence Day.
Trump raised Jin's case with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a visit to Beijing in May 2026. Jin was freed less than two months later.
He had been held in China since October. His family called the release a miracle.
They also said it was a hopeful sign for religious freedom. But 8 other Zion Church members held since October are still in custody according to Human Rights Watch.
Klear Note — China restricts religious groups not approved by the government. Underground churches like Zion Church operate illegally and face arrest.
Key Terms 3
- Zion Church A large Chinese church that operates without government approval
- Human Rights Watch An international group that monitors and reports on human rights abuses
- religious freedom The right to practice any religion without government interference