In a shocking turn of events, a prominent Christian pastor has been released from detention in China, marking a rare concession by the country's authoritarian government. The founder of the Zion Church, a large and influential Christian congregation in Beijing, was imprisoned in November for allegedly violating laws governing foreign-funded organizations. The pastor's release comes after a direct appeal from none other than former US President Donald Trump, who reportedly reached out to Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a bid to secure the pastor's freedom. The move has been seen as a significant gesture of goodwill between the two nations, but it also raises questions about the role of foreign influence in China's domestic affairs.
The Zion Church founder's release comes after a direct plea to Xi Jinping from Donald Trump.
