Mike Pence Praises Trump for Securing Release of Pastor in China

Former Vice President Mike Pence expressed his admiration for President Donald Trump’s intervention that led to the release of pastor Ezra Jin Mingli, a significant underground Christian leader detained by Chinese authorities. In a post on X, Pence commended Trump for addressing the issue directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Beijing. He described the freedom of Jin as “a heavenly treasure,” reflecting on the importance of faith.

Pence didn’t stop there; he also urged the Chinese government to set free Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai, using the hashtag “#FreeJimmyLai.”

Jin, who leads the unregistered Zion Church in Beijing, had been detained in October alongside 17 other church leaders. Just a couple of months after Trump had threatened action against President Xi, Jin was safely reunited with his family in Los Angeles, according to Francis Hui from the Hong Kong Freedom Caucus Foundation.

In a statement to The Associated Press, Jin’s family expressed gratitude towards President Trump, acknowledging that his swift move was crucial in this outcome. They specifically mentioned Xi’s role in facilitating the release.

Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) took to X to thank President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, echoing Pence’s sentiments about Jimmy Lai’s situation. “Great news! Thank you @POTUS and @SecRubio for their leadership in securing the freedom of Pastor Ezra Zinn,” Scott posted, emphasizing that the fight against Communist China’s actions should continue.

“My friend Jimmy Lai remains unjustly imprisoned simply because he stood up for freedom,” he added. “At 78, with diabetes, he’s been in solitary confinement for years. I won’t stop fighting until he is free.”