China's crackdown on underground churches intensified with new arrests. Influential Early Rain Covenant Church reported nine members detained in Chengdu on Tuesday. Police raided homes and the church office. Five have since been released.
The arrests follow a demolition in Wenzhou. Video shows authorities dismantling the Yayang Church building. ChinaAid, a religious persecution monitor, obtained the footage.
Christian groups say the actions demonstrate the Communist Party's determination to suppress non-state-sanctioned churches. This wave of arrests follows similar actions last year. The BBC has reached out to the Chinese embassy for comment.
China officially promotes atheism. The government claims 44 million Christians reside in the country. This number's accuracy, particularly regarding underground church members, remains unclear.
The situation remains fluid. Further arrests and church closures are possible. International response is anticipated.
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