Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of warnings by US-based group International Christian Concern on 28 October that China’s pledge of support for Iran could intensify the persecution of Christians in both China and Iran.

The conditions for freedom of religion or belief in both China and Iran are restrictive, particularly for Christians, who face persecution. This Government stands firm in its advocacy of human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief. The Foreign Secretary has raised human rights in every meeting with his Chinese counterpart Foreign Minister Wang Yi, including during his recent visit to China on 18 October. We have also repeatedly expressed concern at the ongoing incarceration and sentencing of members of Christian churches for practicing their faith in Iran. More broadly, this Government will champion freedom of religion or belief for members of all faiths worldwide. We will work to uphold this freedom through our positions at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora, and through bilateral engagement.