Christians in China need qualified clergy who can contribute to the development of society, China's Minister of State Administration for Religious Affairs says.
The recently appointed UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief has spoken out over the Chinese government's treatment of religious minorities.
Hong Kong Christians have backed Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, honoured for a "long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China".
Human rights groups are pressing China for the release of both Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Liu Xiaobo and his wife, who has been put under house arrest.