Published：Jul 4, 22:24Last updated：Jul 5, 05:58

China Releases Detained Pastor After U.S. Pressure

Jul. 4, 2026 22:24

Chinese authorities have released Korean-Chinese pastor Kim Myung-il after nine months in detention. Kim, who led an underground evangelical church, was arrested last October for unauthorized religious activities. U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly raised the issue during a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May, leading to Kim's release two months later. China strictly regulates religious activities outside state-sanctioned churches. Trump has previously secured the release of missionaries detained in North Korea.

Summarized

8News

8Media

Jul. 5, 2026 04:44

Chinese Protestant pastor Ezra Jin, detained since October 2025, was released on July 5, 2026. Jin founded one of China's largest unofficial evangelical churches. An NGO confirmed his release, marking a rare positive development for religious freedom in China. The case highlights ongoing tensions between unregistered religious groups and authorities.

Jul. 5, 2026 05:58

Jin Mingri, the founder of the Zion Church, was released from prison in China and has traveled to the US. His release came less than two months after his case was raised by US President Donald Trump during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Jin had been detained in October 2025 during a crackdown on religious activity. His family expressed gratitude to Trump and Xi, calling his release a "miracle." US-based rights group ChinaAid confirmed Jin's arrival in Los Angeles, though others from his church remain imprisoned.

Chinese authorities have released Ezra Jin, founder of the unregistered Zion Church, after nine months in detention. Jin, also known as Mingri, was arrested in October 2025 for unauthorized religious activities. His release followed discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking a rare positive development for religious freedom in China. Jin arrived in Los Angeles on July 5, 2026, where he was reunited with his family. The release highlights ongoing tensions between China and the U.S. over religious freedom. Chosun Ilbo+2

🕊️ Diplomatic Intervention

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly raised Jin's case during a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May 2026. The discussions led to Jin's release two months later, coinciding with America's Independence Day. Trump has previously secured the release of missionaries detained in North Korea, showcasing his role in advocating for religious freedom abroad. Chosun Ilbo+2

🏛️ Religious Crackdown in China

Jin was detained during a crackdown on unregistered religious activities in October 2025. China strictly regulates religious practices outside state-sanctioned churches, and Jin's Zion Church was one of the largest unofficial evangelical groups in the country. His case drew international attention from rights advocates, who celebrated his release as a rare victory. The Independent+2

🛫 Arrival in the U.S.

Jin arrived in Los Angeles on July 5, 2026, where he was welcomed by his family and supporters. His release was confirmed by his church, family, and the U.S.-based rights group ChinaAid. While Jin's freedom marks a significant moment, others from his church remain imprisoned, underscoring the ongoing challenges for religious freedom in China. The Korea Times+2

ChinaAidEzra JinXi JinpingZion ChurchDonald Trump