China's crackdown on underground churches intensified with new arrests. Influential Early Rain Covenant Church reported nine members detained Tuesday in Chengdu. Police raided homes and the church office. Five were released by Wednesday.
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. They aim to eliminate churches outside state control. Authorities have not commented on the arrests or demolition.
China officially promotes atheism. The government reported 44 million Christians in 2018. This number may exclude those in unregistered churches.
The BBC contacted the Chinese embassy in the UK for comment. Further arrests and church closures are possible. The situation remains tense.
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