According to China Aid, Qushan Island in Zhejiang province’s Zhoushan city has more than 50% of the population believe in Jesus Christ. The Christian fishermen decorate their vessels with Christian symbols such as the cross and the word “Emmanuel” to give them a sense of peace, hope, and protection.

On the 28th of July, the Qushan Township government threatened the fishermen that “if the cross [on the vessel] is not removed, we will not give you authorization, not allow you to pump gas, and not allow you to depart.” When the fishermen asked for legal basis and proper documents of such action, the task force could not provide yet forcibly boarded the vessels to remove the crosses and paint over the word “Emmanuel.”

While the Christians were targeted, vessels with religious symbols from other faith were left untouched. The fishermen had nowhere to turn to, so they shared their anger online. They accuse the government of being unreasonable, since these vessels are personal property, and the installation of cross is an individual’s freedom.

Source: persecution.org