Ruth Wang, a partner at VDoor Law Firm in China, has traveled to Taiwan while seeking assistance with resettlement after experiencing escalating pressure from Chinese authorities. Wang’s legal team has represented members of Zion Church in Beijing, an unregistered religious congregation, since October 2025.
The pressure on Wang and her firm intensified after authorities demanded that the law firm dissolve or face closure. Wang stated in an interview that she faces concerns about her career and personal circumstances if she does not cooperate with the dissolution requirement. The founder of her firm, Zhang Kai, had his legal license revoked and was barred from leaving the country. Other attorneys at the firm faced suspension from practice and encountered restrictions when attempting to transfer to different legal practices. Judicial authorities have also requested that the firm’s lawyers cease representation of Zion Church cases and leave the company.
Zion Church, founded by pastor Ezra Jin in 2007, operates as one of China’s largest unregistered congregations. In October 2025, authorities arrested 18 members of the church, including Jin. Jin was subsequently released after U.S. President Donald Trump raised the case during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in May. Despite Jin’s release, pressure on the church and those associated with it has continued.
Upon arriving in Taiwan with her family, Wang sought permission to remain in the country while exploring resettlement options. Taiwanese immigration authorities allowed her to stay temporarily in the airport area but indicated that Taiwan does not accept political asylum cases from mainland China due to existing tensions. Wang stated she is exploring alternatives, including studying in the United States or Canada as a pathway for family relocation, with asylum applications abroad as a backup option.
Bob Fu, founder of ChinaAid, a U.S.-based human rights organization, characterized Wang’s situation as demonstrative of pressures faced by lawyers defending persecuted Christians and other individuals regarded as prisoners of conscience. He called on Taiwan and democratic governments to assist in finding a resolution for Wang and her family.
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