(Zhangye, Gansu — November 21, 2025) The Ganzhou District People’s Court in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, issued a verdict on a closely followed case on November 20. Local pastor Sun Chenghao was sentenced to four years and six months in prison, along with a fine of 10,000 yuan for “organizing illegal border crossings.”

Background of the Case

The origin of this case dates back to August 2023, when Sun Chenghao and several friends traveled to Jeju Island, South Korea, through standard procedures, purchasing airline tickets on formal platforms and using valid passports and immigration channels. Jeju Island is visa-free for Chinese citizens, and there were no additional arranged fees during the trip. Pastor Sun created a WeChat group called “Jeju Free Travel” to facilitate convenient communication among the travel companions. After the trip, everyone returned to China as usual.

Detention and Trial

However, on December 15, 2023, the Zhangye Public Security Bureau placed Sun Chenghao under criminal detention on suspicion of “organizing illegal border crossings.” His wife, Jin Hua, said authorities later summoned many members of their former church and warned them not to stay in contact with her, leaving her in a state of near complete isolation.

The case was tried on August 22 this year, but the court did not issue a verdict for the subsequent three months until November 20.

Questions About the Legal Basis

Jeju Island is a visa-free tourist destination, meaning Chinese citizens may enter without a visa. Under normal circumstances, the legality of Chinese citizens’ activities abroad is determined by the laws of the destination. Pastor Sun did not violate any local laws on Jeju Island. However, he had attended a graduation ceremony while there, which became one of the reasons why the legal basis for the charges attracted attention.

Personal Background

At a young age, 43-year-old Sun Chenghao moved with his pastor father from northeast China to Zhangye, Gansu, and grew up in a church environment. Family and friends say he committed himself to becoming a preacher in his youth and has served in pastoral work in the area for many years.

Implications of the Verdict

According to the ruling on November 20, Sun Chenghao’s sentence will end on June 15, 2028.

This case reflects how Chinese law enforcement agencies use vague and overly expansive legal provisions in religion-related cases to achieve unspoken aims of suppression. If charges of this kind can be upheld, virtually any activity during cross-border trips could be redefined as a criminal issue under politically sensitive circumstances. The most noteworthy aspect of the case is not the length of the sentence but rather the cost to public trust when legal provisions are interpreted in ways that deviate far from their original logic.

China Aid Association