In recent weeks, authorities in several regions across China have reportedly detained, questioned, or investigated house church believers and ministry workers, reflecting continuing pressure on unregistered Christian congregations.
Due to strict controls on public information, details remain limited in many cases. The following roundup summarizes the latest known developments as of June 18, 2026.
Mass Arrest in Qinghai, Incident in Shihezi, Xinjiang | Northwest China
Last Friday (June 12), authorities in Qinghai Province reportedly detained six preachers, including an elder surnamed Song, during a kneeling prayer gathering at a private residence. As of publication, none had been released.
According to information received by ChinaAid, some of those detained had previously participated in online Bible study courses conducted via Zoom by Brother Yun, a former house church preacher from Henan who now lives in Germany.
Separately, ChinaAid has received reports of an incident involving a church in Shihezi, Xinjiang. Additional details and background information remain under verification.
ChinaAid continues to seek information regarding the circumstances of the detentions in Qinghai, including their duration and legal basis.
Linyi, Shandong Province | Eastern China
Several church members in Linyi were detained for more than 24 hours, according to sources that spoke to ChinaAid News. Reportedly, some believers received administrative detention penalties, while others were summoned for questioning by government agencies, including the Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
Anhui Province and Jiaozuo, Henan Province | Eastern China
Arrests of Christians were reported in Anhui Province during May, with some individuals reportedly placed in criminal detention on allegations of “fraud.”
ChinaAid has also received word of reported action against a church in Jiaozuo, Henan Province, though further details remain under verification.
Guangzhou, Guangdong Province | South China
Developments continue in a case involving the distribution of Christian books and other religious materials. After three believers were released on bail pending trial, authorities reportedly arrested another Christian connected to the case.
Raid of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, Sichuan | Southwest China
During a Sunday worship service on June 14, authorities reportedly deployed a large number of public security officers and religious affairs officials to raid a gathering of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu.
The service was interrupted, and several pastors, church workers, and congregants – 33 believers in total – were taken into custody for questioning. Most of the believers were released that evening. However, elders Wu Wuqing and Yan Hong were sentenced to 15 and 14 days administrative detention respectively, which they are currently serving.
ChinaAid News will continue to monitor these developments.
Founded in 2002, ChinaAid is an international Christian human rights organization committed to promoting religious freedom and the rule of law in China through advocacy, legal support, and international awareness campaigns.