A weekly roundup of news and analysis to help you follow key developments in China and the Chinese church.
China's population falls for first time since 1961 (January 17, 2023, BBC) The population in 2022 - 1.4118 billion - fell by 850,000 from 2021. China's birth rate has been declining for years, prompting a slew of policies to try to slow the trend. But seven years after scrapping the one-child policy, it has entered what one official described as an "era of negative population growth".
Xi’s China, Christ’s Kingdom, and a Suffering Church: Review: ‘Faithful Disobedience’ by Wang Yi (January 11, 2023, The Gospel Coalition) The rich analysis of China’s house church and its theology contained in this collection offers precious insights into one of history’s most remarkable Christian movements.
Confucius, the Buddha, and Christ - Book Review (January 4, 2022, Global China Center) In this book, Covell tries to analyze outstanding attempts to “bring the Christian faith and Chinese culture together,” and the focus “is on the shape and nature of the message that has been preached in China – the gospel in Chinese.
China says it will resume issuing passports and visas as virus curbs ease (December 28, 2022, NPR) The agency said it will take applications for ordinary visas and residence permits. It said the government will "gradually resume" allowing in foreign visitors and gave no indication when full-scale tourist travel from abroad might be allowed.
Expatriates Serving in China’s New Era: Recent Developments, Future Prospects (December 12, 2022, ChinaSource Quarterly) It is important to recognize that China today is not closed to expatriates. On the contrary, China still needs, and indeed welcomes, foreigners to work in many sectors of Chinese society. Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, China has, however, adjusted its regulatory processes and shaped the worldview of its officials in order to ensure that only the “right” kinds of expatriates are allowed to reside in China.
Facing Challenges, Chinese Churches in Europe Look to the Future (December 9, 2022, Christianity Today) The lack of churches to worship at isn’t the only problem that Chinese Christians are facing. Many Chinese churches in Europe are also trying to overcome challenges such as a “hometown association” mentality, a commercialist attitude toward church life, and difficulties in transmitting the faith to the younger generation.
China abandons key parts of zero-Covid strategy after protests (December 7, 2022, BBC) China is lifting its most severe Covid policies - including forcing people into quarantine camps - just a week after landmark protests against the strict controls. People with Covid can now isolate at home rather than in state facilities if they have mild or no symptoms.
Amid China’s Rare Protests, Christians Wrestle With Their Role (November 30, 2022, Christianity Today) Two areas all these Chinese Christians agreed on: The importance of prayer for the country, the government, and its people, as well as the urgency of evangelism in a time of crisis.
‘This job is urgent’: Chinese team hopes AI can save Manchu language from extinction (November 14, 2022, South China Morning Post) A research team in northeastern China say they are using artificial intelligence to save the language of the Manchu people, an ethnic minority group that ruled China for more than 200 years until the early 20th century. […] But fewer than 100 people – all of them elderly residents of remote villages – can speak and write Manchu with native fluency today, according to government data.
Hong Kong relaxes COVID rules for inbound tour groups (November 7, 2022, Reuters) Hong Kong's government said on Monday it was relaxing COVID-19 restrictions on inbound tour groups including allowing them to enter theme parks and museums after arriving in the financial hub. Hong Kong has relaxed many of its stringent coronavirus policies in recent months, including hotel quarantine for international arrivals as of Sept. 26.
I lasted three years in China without taking a COVID test (November 2, 2022, The China Project) Yes, dear reader, I have broken my streak. After three years (well, shy three months of it), in the last three weeks I have taken 15 throat-swab tests. Some were stabbers, some ticklers; some explorers, others gorers; some dabbed, some jabbed, a few stayed in there till I gagged. One kept me aah-ing till I drooled like a dog onto the pavement.
Teaching English as a Second Language (October 6, Field Partner) Seek to be the best teacher in the department. Your teaching role is not something you put up with just so that you can ‘evangelise’. Be the best and earn the right to witness to Jesus.