China has officially outlawed foreign missionaries from sharing their faith in the country without pre-state approval.
It will come into effect from 1st May, marking a further tightening of restrictions by the ruling Chinese Communist Party on those who operate outside the state-controlled churches.
Christianity is not banned in China. It is estimated that there are between 70 to 100 million believers amongst the country's 1.4bn people.
This move is the latest squeezing of religious activity. Only those seeking official approval from the state will continue to be allowed to operate, under much tighter scrutiny.
China has intensified its restrictions on religious activities, particularly targeting foreign missionaries. The government’s renewed efforts to control religious expression have led to visa denials and crackdowns on underground churches where many missionaries operate.
Authorities now require all religious groups to register with the state and limit their activities to government-approved locations, making independent evangelism nearly impossible.
Under President Xi Jinping there has been a 'sinicization of religion' - a term which seeks to make religious faith adhere to Chinese socialist values and culture. As a result, many missionary organisations have shifted to digital outreach or begun to work in countries close by.
Benedict Rogers from Hong Kong Watch, a UK-based non-profit organisation that monitors and reports on human rights in Hong Kong, told Premier News that new restrictions were a further tightening of the screw:
"I understand that foreigners bringing in books even for personal use will be much, much more limited than they have been." adding, "in summary, basically means the Chinese communist party have total control over what goes on in religious organisations."
Speaking about whether it was wise for missionaries to consider going to China Rogers said:
"I wouldn't say don't go, but I would say, really understand what these laws say, and be creative about how you share your faith."