[Fai Mao]

“smuggling Bibles into China “

You can buy a Bible in almost ANY bookstore in China. There is LITERALLY NO REASON to smuggle them in. If your organization had rather than smuggling Bibles, arranged with Three-Self Churches, you could have bought them locally and not have had a problem. I know I’ve done it. I have a friend who came to Christ by checking out a Bible from the library at the University of Beijing. Anyone in China who wants a Bible can easily purchase one.

The issue is actually that it is illegal to take ANY foreign publication into China. They’d have faced the same issues taking copies of The South China Morning Post. Personal experience: I tried to ship a complete set of Nancy Drew mysteries to a friend’s daughter in Chengdu. What could be more innocuous? They were confiscated by Chinese customs. Just be glad your friends weren’t taking political or News magazines in.

Point of Fact: I was a tentmaker missionary working in schools and education in China and lived in China and Hong Kong for 25 years. I have a university degree from a Chinese University. I know firsthand how the censorship in the PRC works. I was there. It is pervasive, present, and easily and widely worked around by many people.

China is not a free country. But it is freer than the UK, and in many ways as free as the US.

[Fury]

It is pervasive, present, and easily and widely worked around by many people.

This tracks very accurately with the experience of my stepdaughter's uncle. His Japanese company contracted with a company in China for product manufacturing. Over a 30-year career he traveled to China hundreds of times and underscored to us in a conversation that he had to be wary of what was brought into China regarding books, magazines, etc. BUT he was on occasion "allowed" to bring Japanese published items to read. But very, very rarely.

[daniel1212]

You can buy a Bible in almost ANY bookstore in China. There is LITERALLY NO REASON to smuggle them in.

Misleading, as it leaves out "legally" as only state-sanctioned bookstores can legally sell them, and only state-approved translations. , research says:

Can you own a Bible in China? - Resto NYC The Chinese government regulates the printing and distribution of Bibles through state-sanctioned churches and religious organizations. .. Owning an illegally printed Bible could potentially get someone in trouble with authorities. ... It is illegal to sell Bibles through unofficial channels like flea markets, street vendors, or independent bookstores and websites. Certain controversial verses may be removed from Bibles printed by the government-sanctioned Amity Press.

Proselytizing with Bibles in public places outside of approved church grounds may result in confiscation along with fines or detention.

Selling Bibles illegally through unauthorized channels carries risks of serious punishments in China:

• Fines – From 1,000 to 10,000 yuan ($150 to $1,500) for individuals caught selling illegally printed religious books.
• Detention – Up to 15 days administrative detention for illegally printing or selling Bibles and other religious materials.
• Interrogation – Religious groups suspected of illegally distributing Bibles may be subjected to aggressive police interrogation techniques.
• Imprisonment – In rare cases involving large-scale “cults” or foreign infiltration, sentences over 5 years may be given for Bible smuggling and distribution.
• Confiscation – Bibles, printing equipment, and money from illegal Bible sales will be confiscated as evidence.- https://www.restonyc.com/can-you-own-a-bible-in-china/

  Is the Holy Bible allowed in China?

  the Holy Bible cannot be legally sold through normal commercial channels in China. In China, among the major religions such as Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, and folk beliefs, Christianity is the only religion whose major holy text cannot be sold freely. The Bible is printed in China but can only be legally purchased at church bookstores that are approved by the Beijing government. - - https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-faq/is-the-holy-bible-allowed-in-china/

  Are Bibles allowed in China? January 25, 2025

  While owning a Bible isn’t outright illegal, the conditions under which they can be obtained, distributed, and used are heavily regulated... The Chinese government permits the sale of Bibles through official channels only, specifically at church bookstores registered with the government. .. Unlike other major religious texts such as those of Buddhism, Taoism, and Islam, the Bible cannot be sold in regular commercial outlets like bookstores.

  only government-authorized churches are allowed to operate in China. These churches are monitored, and their activities are subject to oversight... Apple has removed Bible apps from China’s App Store following requests from Chinese officials... the Bible is still being printed in China. The Chinese Union Version (CUV) remains the main version in use among Protestants,

  Why can’t you bring your personal Bible with you to China? You can bring a personal Bible, but only one copy for your own use as a foreigner. - Employment Security Commission; https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-faq/are-bibles-allowed-in-china/

  Further reading, but dated: What Christianity in China Is Really Like 2027 March 9, 2017

  . If your organization had rather than smuggling Bibles, arranged with Three-Self Churches, you could have

  Meaning state-approved Three-Self Churches, and thus be monitored, and prevented from any evangelism.

  China is not a free country. But it is freer than the UK, and in many ways as free as the US.

  Depends upon location, and in any case openly evangelizing, even just offering gospel tracts, is going to see you stopped in China, unlike normally here on public property, and as yet in the UK. Unless you preach against LGBTQ, which has higher protected status.