In 1998, the U.S. Congress passed the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), requiring the U.S. government to condemn violations of religious freedom and promote this fundamental right worldwide. Since 1999, the U.S. Department of State has designated China as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under IRFA, urging that human rights considerations be integrated into U.S. foreign policy, including sanctions against responsible actors.

During the same period, a series of Chinese regulations—such as the Regulations on Religious Affairs (2004/2017), Measures on the Administration of Religious Clergy (2021), and the 2025 regulations on foreign religious activities and online religious conduct—have been viewed as evidence of a tightening religious space.

As USCIRF continues to condemn religious freedom violations, pastors and churches in China have drawn increasing international attention. How effective are these policy tools? And what else can be done to support Christians in China? Gospel Herald (GH) spoke with USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler about these questions.

GH: How would you assess the overall state of global religious freedom today, and where does China fit within that landscape?

Hartzler: Overall, the global state of religious freedom is very concerning. USCIRF assesses that nearly half of the world’s population lives in countries with severe religious violations. China is among the worst violators: imprisoning over a million Uyghur Muslims, detaining and torturing pastors and church leaders who refuse state registration, destroying houses of worship, replacing images of Jesus and Mary with Xi Jinping, and coercing believers through “sinicization.”

GH: Could you briefly share USCIRF’s mission and its core work?

Hartzler: USCIRF’s mission is to advance international religious freedom by independently assessing violations and recommending policies to the U.S. government. We monitor global conditions, speak with people on the ground, send delegations, hold hearings, publish reports, and compile an annual report with recommendations for concrete U.S. actions.

GH: How has China’s long-term CPC designation influenced religious freedom?

Hartzler: Conditions were already severe before 1999 and have worsened under Xi Jinping. The CPC designation creates important public pressure and counters China’s propaganda. But designation alone cannot improve conditions—it must be part of a broader, coordinated international strategy.

GH: How effective are other international advocacy efforts, including sanctions?

Hartzler: Statements alone are insufficient. Coordinated action is essential. For example, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act significantly restricted products made with forced labor entering the U.S. market. But if other countries do not adopt similar measures, such goods still circulate internationally. The U.S. must work with like-minded nations and push within bodies like the UN.

GH: Beyond raising awareness, what other approaches can support Christians in China?

Hartzler: China has an estimated 88–100 million Protestants and 10 million Catholics, many refusing state registration. The U.S. government can raise these concerns directly with China in bilateral relations. I have advocated for President Trump to address religious freedom issues—including releasing imprisoned pastors—when engaging President Xi Jinping on matters like trade. The U.S. should also support civil society and call for the release of human rights lawyers and advocates, while sanctioning perpetrators of abuses.

GH: How should we understand the balance between government security concerns and religious freedom?

Hartzler: Religious freedom is a fundamental international right. Governments have no authority to restrict it under the pretext of “security.” Faith is not a threat—what governments fear is losing control. But God is greater than any official, and His work cannot be stopped.

GH: Are you a Christian, and how does your faith shape your mission?

Hartzler: Yes, I am. Hebrews 13:3 calls us to remember those in prison as though we were with them. My faith compels me to support Christians in China through prayer and advocacy. God hears prayers, and they can strengthen persecuted believers.

GH: Would you like to share a word of encouragement?

Hartzler: God sees you, hears you, and delights in your courage. Your faithfulness inspires believers in the United States to be bolder. I think of 1 Peter 5:8–11—God Himself will restore and strengthen you. You are not alone.