China has enacted a sweeping new law aimed at strengthening national unity, requiring ethnic minorities to integrate more closely into a shared Chinese identity while granting authorities powers to pursue individuals and organizations abroad accused of undermining ethnic unity.
The Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, which took effect on July 1, requires schools, government agencies and public institutions to promote loyalty to the Chinese nation and the ruling Communist Party. The legislation applies to all 56 officially recognized ethnic groups, including Tibetans, Uyghurs and Mongols.
Under the law, Mandarin Chinese must serve as the primary language in schools, while educational curricula are required to foster a strong sense of national identity. Parents are also instructed to guide children to “love the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese people.”
The legislation further directs museums, libraries and other cultural institutions to promote Chinese history and national achievements, while local governments are encouraged to implement housing policies that promote ethnic integration.
One of the law’s most controversial provisions extends beyond China’s borders. It states that organizations and individuals outside mainland China who “undermine ethnic unity” or “create ethnic division” may face legal consequences, raising concerns among rights groups about its potential impact on overseas activists, researchers and diaspora communities.
Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the law’s significance during remarks marking the 105th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, calling on members to strengthen unity among all ethnic groups.
The legislation has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and United Nations experts, who warn it could erode the linguistic, cultural and religious autonomy of ethnic minorities, particularly Tibetans, Uyghurs and Mongols. UN experts have also expressed concern that the law could facilitate what they describe as “transnational repression” by extending its reach beyond China’s borders.
Scholars say the law formalizes Beijing’s long-standing push to prioritize a unified national identity over ethnic autonomy. Critics argue it could discourage academic research, activism and public discussion related to China’s ethnic minority policies through fear of legal repercussions.
Beijing has defended the legislation, saying it protects the rights of all ethnic groups while safeguarding national security and social stability. Chinese officials maintain the law does not restrict ethnic minorities from using their own languages but is intended to prevent activities that incite ethnic division or threaten national unity.
