China's new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress has come into effect, drawing condemnation from Taiwan, the United Nations, and human rights groups who warn it threatens freedoms, particularly for ethnic minorities. Critics argue the law institutionalizes forced assimilation and could enable Beijing to pursue dissidents abroad.
Law Aims to Forge Shared National Identity
The legislation seeks to create a unified national identity among ethnic groups, notably by strengthening Mandarin as the official language. However, overseas campaigners contend it will further erode the rights of minorities like Uyghurs and Tibetans, whom Beijing is accused of persecuting. A key clause states that individuals can be held liable for violating the law even when outside China, giving the government more justification to target opponents abroad.
Rights Groups Speak Out
Sarah Brooks, Amnesty International's deputy regional director, said the law requires "political and ideological alignment with the Chinese Communist party" and "further institutionalise[s] ... policies of forced assimilation." She added, "Chinese authorities have human rights obligations requiring them to protect minority communities and their cultures, but this law does the opposite." Amnesty warned the legislation pushes ethnic groups to adopt a single, state-defined national identity dominated by Han Chinese culture.
Taiwan and US Lawmakers React
Taiwan expressed "strong condemnation" on Wednesday, the day the law took effect, saying it expands "threats and intimidation against the people of our country and other nations." Its foreign ministry warned that individuals from any country whose words or actions displease China could become targets. In Washington, nine US lawmakers, including top Republican and Democrat on the Senate foreign relations committee, voiced stern opposition, pledging to speak out against Beijing's bid to "legitimise its transnational repression." They cited deep concern over language demanding ideological compliance with the CCP and holding people outside China legally responsible.
Provisions on Language and Security
The law formalizes longstanding policies promoting Mandarin in education, official business, and public spaces. It includes provisions on social cohesion and preventing terrorism and separatism. Several ethnic groups in border regions have their own languages and historically used them alongside Mandarin in schools. Beijing justifies sweeping campaigns in minority areas as legitimate anti-terrorism efforts.
Chinese Defense and UN Criticism
Senior Chinese judicial official Hu Weilie defended the law, claiming it targets "illegal acts" that undermine ethnic unity or incite separatism. He called the overseas enforcement clause "legitimate, lawful [and] necessary." However, UN rights chief Volker Turk called for the law's repeal, warning it risks deepening restrictions on freedoms of language, education, religion, culture, expression, and assembly. Uyghur and Tibetan advocates urged countries to push China to strike it down, saying it aims to erase minority communities.
Taiwan's Concerns
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said Taiwanese people already face high risks traveling to China and warned Beijing now has "yet another law to fabricate charges." Deputy minister Liang Wen-chieh stated Beijing would use the law to further suppress human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet or expand threats against voices internationally that support Taiwan.
