The attitudes of Chinese local authorities towards Christians have turned sharply negative recently as the Christian population has grown. Authorities have been removing hundreds of crosses from churches, saying they violate building codes. Bao Guohua, a Chinese pastor, who opposed the campaign, was sentenced to 14 years in prison, and his wife to 12 years. In January authorities demolished a church in Fujian. Last month authorities opened a corruption probe into Pastor Gu Yuese, who had spoken out against the clampdown on Christian activity. China Aid said, ‘The government's criminal prosecution against Christianity is religious persecution.’ The clash over Christians' religious rights is being complicated by overseas organisations giving Christians support. The Chinese government is sensitive to foreign meddling in domestic affairs. In the past year, China's government has relentlessly pursued and jailed human rights lawyers receiving training and funding from foreign sources. See