At a Feb. 4 House hearing, former Ambassador Sam Brownback warned that an authoritarian alliance threatens religious freedom worldwide. He told lawmakers that this authoritarian alliance threatens religious freedom because regimes see faith as a rival source of authority. Brownback called the trend unprecedented and alarming. He said communist and totalitarian governments now coordinate efforts to control believers and silence dissent.
Brownback argued that China leads and funds this campaign. He said Beijing spends billions to suppress worship at home and export surveillance tools abroad. Those tools, he warned, help dictators monitor and intimidate faith communities. As a result, the authoritarian alliance threatens religious freedom not only in Asia but across Africa and Latin America.
China’s Expanding Surveillance Network
Brownback described China as the “puppet master” behind a dark coalition. He said his forthcoming book documents Chinese surveillance technology operating in 80 countries. These systems track religious groups and restrict gatherings. He warned that regimes will use this equipment to cement power and weaken U.S. influence.
He also cited Nigeria’s reported cooperation with China, Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Such partnerships, he argued, complicate U.S. efforts to defend persecuted believers. He urged democratic nations to push back forcefully and promote religious liberty as a core security strategy.
Democrats Criticize Administration’s Record
Democratic lawmakers agreed that religious freedom matters, but they faulted the administration’s response. Rep. Joaquin Castro stressed that faith rights transcend party and geography. However, he criticized officials for failing to nominate an Ambassador-at-Large as required by law.
Castro also noted delays in releasing annual International Religious Freedom reports. He said the administration has designated a few Countries of Particular Concern beyond Nigeria. Rep. Sara Jacobs echoed those concerns and warned that funding cuts have weakened advocacy programs.
Funding Cuts Increase Danger
Jacobs said the administration cut millions from foreign assistance tied to religious freedom. She cited terminated programs that supported 4,000 minority members in Asia. She added that one nonprofit can no longer support Afghan women, Iranian journalists, and Nicaraguan reporters because funding ended.
Supporters argue that strong action will counter repression and bolster global security. Detractors warn that delays, staffing gaps, and budget cuts undermine that mission.
Source:
Brownback Warns of Global Authoritarian Alliance Targeting Religious Freedom after IRF Summit
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