The U.S.-based group International Christian Concern (ICC) is warning that China’s recent pledge with Iran would heighten Christian persecution in both countries. As reported by The Christian Post, Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed strong ties with Iran during the annual BRICS summit held in Russia, which gathered leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with 10 member countries, including Iran.

“No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran,” President Xi stated at the summit, according to Chinese news outlet Xinhua.

In a statement to The Christian Post, ICC noted that China and Iran are designated as Countries of Particular Concern by the U.S. Department of State, a designation given to nations that engage in or tolerate egregious violations of religious freedom.

“China and Iran are known persecutors of Christians, and their mutual support could lead to increased persecution as both countries work to eliminate the practice of Christianity within their borders,” the persecution watchdog said.

On Sept. 1, China placed new measures requiring that religious activities, including sermons, integrate socialist values and Chinese characteristics, ICC noted. Clergy members are also obligated to pledge their allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party.

In a recent report, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom revealed that Chinese authorities replaced Christian symbols with images of Communist leaders, such as portraits of Xi and the late Chairman Mao Zedong, and party slogans across multiple churches in the country.

As the ICC also pointed out, Iran has a long history of persecuting Christians, including execution, imprisonment, and torture. The country also supports terrorist organizations, including Hamas, which was responsible for attacking Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people, including 40 Americans and over 254 others who were taken hostage.

Iran has a population of approximately 98.5 percent Muslims, with the majority being Shi’a Muslims.

“China’s unwavering support of Iran, regardless of Iran’s persecution of Christians and backing of terrorists, shows the world where its priorities lie,” the ICC stated. “The combined power of the two nations also raises alarm among Christians, who have already endured years of abuse and imprisonment under the two regimes.”

Per ICC, the BRICS group seeks to disrupt the global balance of power maintained by the West and to end the U.S. dollar’s dominance as the preeminent global reserve currency.

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