Pressure on Trump to speak up for imprisoned religious figures ahead of key China meeting

Former officials from Trump’s first term are pushing the former president to bring up the cases of religious prisoners during his upcoming talks with China’s leader. Over 20 national security experts signed a letter urging Trump to press Xi Jinping to free a detained Protestant pastor and a prominent Hong Kong democracy advocate before their next meeting on May 14–15. China tightly controls religion under strict government rules, requiring churches to register and follow state-approved teachings. Unapproved groups face heavy restrictions, arrests, and imprisonment. One high-profile case involves Pastor Jin Mingri, who founded Zion Church in Beijing. His church grew rapidly before authorities shut it down, eventually detaining him and others on charges tied to online religious materials. His daughter, now in the U. S. and about to become a grandmother, has called for his release.The letter also highlights Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old publisher and democracy activist serving 20 years for challenging Beijing’s rule in Hong Kong. Trump mentioned raising Lai’s case with Xi late last year but received no clear response. With the U. S. -China meeting approaching, advocates hope Trump will use his influence more forcefully. Critics argue that Trump’s past action labeling China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims as genocide should extend to other persecuted groups. They point out that Trump’s administration took a strong stance before, so why not now? The timing could be symbolic—freeing Pastor Jin in time for his grandchild’s birth would send a powerful message about human rights. China’s influence stretches beyond its borders, making global pressure like this one important. Will Trump take a firm stand, or will another moment to defend religious freedom slip away?