China

Leader: President Hu Jintao
Population: 1.35 billion (85 million Christians)
Main Religion: Atheism
Government: Socialism
World Watch Rank: 16

Increasing tolerance for unregistered churches was tempered with continuing clampdowns on high profile groups and individuals during 2010. House churches generally experienced less harassment if they maintained a low profile. However, incidents of persecution were reported in some areas. In October 2010, the authorities prevented 200 house church leaders from attending the Third Lausanne World Congress in South Africa after warning that the gathering was 'anti-China' due to non-representation by the official church. A Christian human rights lawyer released by Chinese officials on 6 April went missing again two weeks later.

Please Pray:

• For Uyghur pastor, Alimjan Yimit, sentenced to 15 years in prison at the end of 2009.
• That the church will have a positive influence on society through ministries to the aged, migrants, dysfunctional families and the poor
• For Open Doors' Youth Leaders Discipleship Training to develop young leaders to reach out to young people across China.