Written question asked by Bob Blackman (Conservative) on Monday, 29 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. It was answered by Seema Malhotra (Labour) on Thursday, 2 July 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

China: Churches

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to the Government of China concerning the reported police raid on Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu on 14 June 2026, and what assessment she has made of restrictions on unregistered Protestant churches in China.

Answer: Reports of further raids on churches in China are deeply concerning, and the environment for freedom of religion or belief across China remains restrictive. The Government champions freedom of religion or belief for all abroad. We work to uphold these rights through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora, and through bilateral engagement. The Prime Minister raised human rights when he met President Xi Jinping in January.

Secondary information