US Senators James Lankford, Ted Budd, and Tim Kaine, along with Representatives Riley Moore and Thomas Suozzi, sent a bipartisan letter to President Trump on Mar. 26 urging him to seek the release of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri ahead of the upcoming US-China summit. The lawmakers asked the president to raise concerns about religious freedom in China during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The letter highlights ongoing concerns about religious persecution in China and calls attention to Pastor Jin’s detention since October 10, 2025. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of addressing not only Jin’s case but also that of other Christian leaders and members of religious minority groups who face imprisonment due to what they describe as a crackdown by Chinese authorities.
“We encourage you to advocate for their release and request the PRC to allow Mr. Jin to leave China, in addition to raising concerns regarding the ongoing unjust imprisonment and persecution of Christians, Tibetans, and Uyghurs, among other religious and ethnic minority groups across China,” wrote the lawmakers in their letter. They added: “These abuses include arbitrary detentions, lengthy prison sentences, forced closures of places of worship, destruction of religious property, and surveillance and intimidation of clergy and congregants.”
The group further noted that through existing legislation such as the International Religious Freedom Act, “the Administration is empowered to use targeted sanctions and increase reporting and diplomatic engagement” in order “to address severe violations of individuals’ right to freedom of religion.”
Senator Lankford has been recognized as a leading advocate for taxpayers’ interests according to his official website. He has also advocated for protecting life, liberty, families; directed Falls Creek Youth Camp; represented Oklahoma in the Senate; authored an annual Federal Fumbles report offering solutions for federal government challenges; maintained offices in Washington D.C., Oklahoma City, Tulsa; serves on key Senate committees including Finance, Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs as well as Intelligence; supports lower taxes and economic freedom while championing taxpayer roles according to his official website.
Looking ahead at diplomatic relations between the United States and China regarding human rights issues remains significant. The lawmakers concluded their letter by stating: “We appreciate your attention to this important matter.”
