Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) have raised concerns regarding the state of religious freedom in China, particularly under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In a letter addressed to U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, the lawmakers expressed their dismay over a social media post that appeared to praise a state-run religious service in Beijing, which they believe misrepresents the reality of religious persecution in the country.

Rubio and Smith highlighted the CCP's agenda to 'Sinicize' religion by erasing the independence of religious entities and incorporating Party ideologies. They emphasized the importance of condemning the persecution faced by individuals practicing their faith in China to show solidarity with the oppressed.

The letter addressed to Ambassador Burns pointed out the dangers of publicizing attendance at state-controlled religious events, which could be exploited by propagandists to distort the truth about religious freedom in China. The lawmakers urged Ambassador Burns to distance himself from CCP-controlled entities and to use his platform to speak out against religious persecution in the country.

The lawmakers suggested that a public statement condemning the CCP's actions against individuals practicing their faith could serve as a strong message of support for those facing oppression. They also highlighted the upcoming Eid al-Fitr as an opportunity to raise objections to the CCP's policies targeting Muslim communities in China.

Rubio and Smith concluded the letter by thanking Ambassador Burns for his attention to the matter and emphasizing the importance of promoting and protecting religious freedom in China.