Pressure on Trump to speak up for imprisoned religious figures ahead of key China meeting
# **Trump Urged to Demand Release of Religious Prisoners Ahead of Critical U.S.-China Talks**
### **Over 20 National Security Experts Call for Action on Pastor and Hong Kong Activist**
As President Donald Trump prepares for his upcoming high-stakes meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on **May 14–15**, a coalition of former Trump administration officials and national security experts is urging him to leverage his influence to secure the freedom of two high-profile religious prisoners.
A **letter signed by over 20 experts** demands that Trump press Xi Jinping to release **Pastor Jin Mingri**, a detained Protestant leader from Beijing, and **Jimmy Lai**, a 78-year-old Hong Kong publisher serving a 20-year sentence for opposing Beijing’s rule. The plea comes as advocates warn that another opportunity to defend religious freedom may slip away.
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## **China’s Religious Crackdown: A Systematic Suppression**
Under Xi Jinping’s regime, China enforces **strict state control over religion**, requiring churches and religious groups to register under government-approved frameworks. Those who refuse face **heavy restrictions, arrests, and imprisonment**.
One of the most egregious cases involves **Pastor Jin Mingri**, founder of **Zion Church in Beijing**, which grew rapidly before authorities **shut it down in 2019**. Jin was later detained on charges related to online religious materials. His daughter, now living in the U.S., is expecting a grandchild and has pleaded for his release—calling it a matter of **human rights and family reunion**.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Lai, a veteran democracy advocate and media mogul, remains imprisoned under Hong Kong’s national security law. Lai, who once met with Trump, was sentenced to 20 years for his pro-democracy activism. Trump previously mentioned raising Lai’s case with Xi but received no clear commitment. Advocates now hope he will take a stronger stance in their next encounter.
Will Trump Repeat His Strong Stance on Uyghur Genocide?
Critics question why Trump’s administration, which labeled China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims as genocide, isn’t applying the same pressure to other persecuted groups. Some argue that failing to act now would be a missed opportunity—especially with Pastor Jin’s grandchild’s birth on the horizon, which could serve as a symbolic moment for human rights.
China’s global influence makes international pressure critical. But will Trump take a firm stand, or will religious freedom advocates watch another chance for justice vanish?
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Key Players in the Fight
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pastor Jin Mingri | Founder, Zion Church | Imprisoned |
| Jimmy Lai | Publisher, Democracy Activist | Serving 20 years |
| Xi Jinping | Chinese President | Under pressure |
| Donald Trump | Former U.S. President | Set for May 14–15 talks |
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The Clock is Ticking
With the U.S.-China summit just weeks away, the world watches: Will religious prisoners see justice—or will another moment pass without action?
