Senator Ted Cruz Condemns China’s “Largest Crackdown” on Christians, Demands Release of Detainees

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has fiercely condemned what he calls the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) “grave violation of religious freedom and human dignity” following the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin, a prominent leader of one of China’s largest underground churches.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Cruz expressed his satisfaction that the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution condemning the abduction of Pastor Jin, calling the incident part of a disturbing pattern of systematic persecution of Christians in China.

Cruz’s post included a video of his Senate floor speech where he accused the Chinese government of initiating the largest coordinated nationwide crackdown on Christians in more than four decades.

He declared, “I rise today to speak about a grave matter and a clear violation of religious freedom, human dignity, and the rule of law.” He detailed the sweep on October 10, 2025, during which 23 pastors and church members of the Beijing-based Zion Churchone of China’s largest unregistered congregation were arrested and wrongfully detained.

The Texas senator stressed that Pastor Jin and his congregation were simply worshipping and serving God, yet the regime has labeled them “enemies of the communist state.” Cruz urged the Biden administration and international allies to hold the CCP accountable for its escalating human rights abuses against faith communities operating outside state control.

Separately, Senator Cruz reaffirmed his commitment to advancing legislation aimed at addressing religious persecution in Nigeria, coming a week after President Donald Trump redesignated the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).

In a release on his website, Cruz expressed deep gratification for President Trump’s determination, stating it aligns with his long-standing efforts to protect Christians facing persecution in Nigeria.

Cruz highlighted that he had introduced legislation this year that would lock in the CPC designation and implement additional steps.

The Senator explained that the designation is a “critical step in holding accountable and changing the behavior of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an environment conducive to the outrages in Nigeria.”

Key aspects of his proposed bill include targeting those who implement blasphemy and sharia laws in the country.

He concluded by thanking President Trump for his “strong leadership” on the issue.