Latest Update on the Case Involving Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church: Ye Fenghua Released on Bail Pending Trial on May 28, 2026, and Has Returned Home; Li Yingqiang, Dai Zhichao and Jia Xuewei Remain Detained
(Rights Defense Network Information Center report) On June 5, 2026, this outlet learned that Ye Fenghua, in the case involving Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church, was released on bail pending trial on May 28, 2026, and has returned home. The three others—Li Yingqiang, Dai Zhichao and Jia Xuewei—remain detained. Li Yingqiang, Dai Zhichao, Ye Fenghua and Jia Xuewei have all been accused of allegedly inciting subversion of state power.
On January 6, 2026, Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church and affiliated members suffered large-scale persecution. At present, Elder Li Yingqiang is being detained at Deyang Detention Center; on February 12, his family received notification from the police that he had been formally arrested, on suspicion of inciting subversion of state power. Pastor Dai Zhichao is being detained at Deyang Detention Center; on February 12, his family received notification from the police that he had been formally arrested, on suspicion of inciting subversion of state power. Assistant Deacon Jia Xuewei has left Deyang Detention Center and has been placed under “residential surveillance at a designated location,” on suspicion of inciting subversion of state power.
This outlet will continue to follow developments in the case involving Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church.

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