Chinese authorities have been increasing control over religious activities, particularly affecting communities that do not align with the state-sanctioned church. Religious practices in China are tightly regulated, and those who refuse to participate in the official church often face pressure, arrests, or other forms of suppression. One of the few officially recognized Catholic pilgrimage sites in China is Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs, where thousands gather every September 15th. However, foreign journalists attempting to visit the site have been restricted. France 2 reporters were stopped before even reaching the Via Dolorosa, a key pilgrimage route, and were prevented from filming the sanctuary. The site’s pagoda-style roof, a symbol of state control, replaced a former church adorned with crosses that was demolished in 2018. Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in China, where dozens of churches have been destroyed in recent years, including one in Nandong in 2023 and another in Wenzhou, built with parishioners’ funds in 2013 but demolished a year later. Religious institutions in China must be officially registered, and the government monitors sermons, enforces political loyalty, and even appoints bishops, which must be approved by the Vatican. According to some reports, the authorities struggle to fully grasp the nature of Christianity, often leading to misunderstandings. Despite China’s large Christian population—primarily Protestant—those who resist the state-sanctioned church face legal consequences. In Beihai, southern China, Ren Zhong and his daughter shared their experience with France Télévisions. Ren’s wife, a pastor in the Sion church, was arrested in October for alleged tax fraud related to church donations. Ren believes the charges are a pretext, saying, “I do not think my wife did anything wrong. The authorities do not understand Christianity, nor Jesus, nor who we are. There are misunderstandings.” His wife faces a potential ten-year prison sentence. Experts suggest that the Chinese government views religion as a potential threat to national security, particularly fearing that it could be used as a tool for foreign influence. Michel Chambon, a specialist on Christianity in China, explains that American Christian fundamentalism includes a political agenda promoting absolute freedom, which China sees as a serious challenge. As a result, the government is wary of Christians being used as a “fifth column” of American influence. Additionally, there is concern that religion may sway the youth. Since 2025, minors have been prohibited from attending church services, and online masses have also been banned. These measures reflect the state’s broader effort to limit the influence of religion in public life and maintain control over societal values.