(Zhejiang — January 5, 2026) Witnesses reported that on January 4, 2025, the area surrounding the Yayang Church (雅阳教堂) in Yayang Town, Taishun County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, was encircled by a large number of special police forces, with security cordons set up, creating a tense atmosphere. Several Christian residents living near the church were ordered to leave the area, and law enforcement personnel instructed those present not to take photos or record videos. Multiple large engineering machinery, including cranes and bulldozers, were deployed at the scene. Based on the equipment used and the deployment posture, local authorities may plan to remove the church’s cross or make modifications to the rooftop.
This incident is the latest development in a series of recent enforcement actions in the area. Witnesses said church members at the scene appeared uneasy yet restrained, closely watching for any further escalation.
Earlier, from December 13 to 14, local police carried out a concentrated operation in Yayang Town, during which more than 200 individuals connected to the church were at one point dispersed or taken into custody. Authorities did not provide detailed explanations for the detentions.
On the evening of December 15, shortly after the related operation, the local government organized a fireworks display in the town. Many residents said that a so-called “Elimination of Six Evils” rally was also held that evening, during which some officials made insulting remarks in the local dialect at what was framed as a celebratory event.
During the enforcement actions, public security authorities issued wanted notices for two local church (Assembly) leaders, Lin Enci (林恩慈) and Lin Enzhao (林恩兆), labeling them as “principal suspects of a criminal organization” on suspicion of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” However, the notices did not specify concrete illegal acts. Both men have now been taken into custody.
The two church leaders had previously publicly opposed the forced installation of the national flag at the church’s entrance. Both enjoy high esteem among believers. More than a decade ago, Lin Enzhao was detained for opposing the authorities’ removal of church crosses. In June of this year, Yayang Town leader Li Bin (李斌) led a group of around one hundred individuals to intrude into the Yayang Church at night, forcibly installing a flagpole and holding a flag-raising ceremony.
This series of actions highlights the tensions between local governance and religious activities. In Yayang Town, church members and residents are closely monitoring developments, worried that further enforcement actions could have far-reaching effects on local Christian life.
