poverty
The Church in China: Learning to Fly in a Birdcage
By Joann Pittman at Desiring God
· June 18, 2026
· 6 min read
In 1980, at the beginning of China’s economic reform era, a Party leader described the emerging Chinese economy as a “birdcage.” He said the bird (the nascent free market) could be allowed to fly only within the confines of a state-planned economy (the birdcage). In other words, Chinese capitalism m
Key takeaway In the late 1990s and 2000s, the size of the birdcage expanded, resulting in more space for religious life.
Why this matters
The Chinese government's tightening grip on religious life has significant implications for Christian charity and humanitarian work in the country. As the birdcage shrinks, Christians are facing increased restrictions on their ability to meet social needs and engage in community service. The Sinicization campaign's emphasis on aligning with "socialist values" may lead to a decline in faith-based initiatives that are not deemed to be in the interests of the Party-state. Furthermore, the prohibition on teaching religion to minors may have long-term consequences for the development of Christian ministries and charities that rely on the next generation of leaders. The persecution of unregistered churches and those that cross government "red lines" may also lead to a decrease in the number of faith-based organizations operating in the country, ultimately affecting the most vulnerable populations that rely on their services.
About this story
Original reporting by Desiring God . Jesus Give surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: poverty ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: Desiring God ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? In 1980, at the beginning of China’s economic reform era, a Party leader described the emerging Chinese economy as a “birdcage.” He said the bird (the nascent free market) could be allowed to fly only within the confines of a state-planned economy (the birdcage). In other words, Chinese capitalism m
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by Desiring God and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joann Pittman at Desiring God. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more poverty coverage from Jesus Give, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .