Trump is pressured on religious freedom in China and Kyrgyzstan at new summit
US Commission asks Trump to pressure Xi Jinping for the release of religious prisoners in China during September diplomatic meeting.
TL;DR
- USCIRF wants President Trump to demand the release of religious prisoners from China during his meeting with Xi Jinping.
- Specific individuals mentioned include Jimmy Lai, Pastor John Cao, Gulshan Abbas, Ekpar Asat, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, and the Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima.
- China was recommended for the list of countries of particular concern due to systematic violations of religious freedom.
- USCIRF requests Kyrgyzstan be added to the State Department's special watch list for its restrictive laws and persecution of Muslims and Christians.
- Recent legal amendments in Kyrgyzstan, approved by President Sadyr Japarov, have increased state surveillance and persecution of religious groups.