A weekly roundup of news and analysis to help you follow key developments in China and the Chinese church.
China can't rule out new virus spreading between humans (January 15, 2020, CBS News)
The possibility that a new virus in central China could spread between humans cannot be ruled out, though the risk of transmission at the moment appears to be low, Chinese officials said Wednesday.
The Future of America’s Contest with China (January 6, 2020, The New Yorker)
Washington is in an intensifying standoff with Beijing. Which one will fundamentally shape the twenty-first century?
Outspoken Chinese Pastor Wang Yi Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison (December 30, 2019, Christianity Today)
China on Monday sentenced a prominent pastor who operated outside the Communist Party–recognized Protestant organization to nine years in prison.
Each week I “scan the Internet so you don’t have to,” looking for interesting stories from China to include in ZGBriefs. Below are the ones that you, dear readers, clicked on the most in 2019.
Undiscovered China: Zhangjiajie, the land of 'Avatar' (December 17, 2019, USA Today)
The "'Avatar' Mountains," are the inspiration for the Pandora scenery and bewitching landscape of director James Cameron's mythical blockbuster film "Avatar."
Anniversary of a crackdown (December 9, 2019, World Magazine)
One year after a police raid, members of a prominent Chinese church wrestle with past traumas and endure ongoing threats.
Expat Wrestling Season: The internal clash between staying and going (December 3, 2019, The Culture Blend)
It’s here again. Wrestling season. For the expats. Here’s the backstory . . . for the rest of you. Expats don’t stay forever. We come and go.
How To Survive an Increasingly Difficult China (November 20, 2019, China Law Blog)
The New Normal has greatly increased the risks for foreign companies that do business in or with China.
Names from God: The power of Protestant names in China (November 13, 2019, Contemporary China Centre Blog)
Church leaders play a central role in the naming process and some are regarded as such adept name-givers that they are approached by people from outside of the church to name children.
Remembering Pastor Samuel Lamb and His Faith in the Face of Persecution in China (November 3, 2019, Christianity Today)
I want to share about one special man who was a giant among men of faith and who had an incredible impact on my life.
Houses divided (October 24, 2019, World Magazine)
Hong Kong pastors walk a fine line between members who support protests and members who support police.
China’s religion problem: Why the Chinese Communist Party views religious belief as a threat (October 17, 2019, Asia Dialogue)
In recent decades the level of repression has increased significantly. At the same time, churches, temples, and monasteries attract large numbers of devotees.