Chinese Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri Freed After Trump Intervenes in US‑China Dispute
On July 3, 57‑year‑old Chinese pastor Ezra Jin Mingri was released from a detention centre in Beihai, southern China, after 266 days of imprisonment. He was flown to the United States and arrived in Los Angeles in time for Independence Day celebrations. Jin said he was freed after President Donald Trump raised his case with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a May visit to Beijing, calling the release a “miracle” and crediting Trump’s “unique diplomacy.”
Chinese authorities said they dropped the charges without requiring a confession or trial. Jin was given new clothes and a pair of Nike shoes before leaving. The Chinese foreign ministry responded that China “firmly opposes interference in its internal affairs” on religious matters. The episode underscores ongoing U.S.–China tensions over religious freedom and consular cases.