China's ethnic unity law criticized as 'forced assimilation' by rights groups

China has implemented a new law on ethnic unity, despite significant international warnings that it could infringe upon freedoms, especially for minority populations. The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress aims to cultivate a unified national identity, emphasizing Mandarin as the official language.

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Chinese authorities have human rights obligations requiring them to protect minority communities and their cultures, but this law does the opposite.

However, overseas advocacy groups contend that the legislation will further erode the rights of ethnic minorities, such as the Uyghurs and Tibetans, who are already subject to accusations of persecution by Beijing. A particularly concerning aspect is a clause that extends the law's reach beyond China's borders, making individuals liable for violations even when outside the country. Critics view this as a tool for the Chinese government to target dissidents abroad.

Amnesty International has voiced strong opposition, with its deputy regional director Sarah Brooks stating that the law mandates "political and ideological alignment with the Chinese Communist party" and will "further institutionalize ... policies of forced assimilation." Brooks added that the law contradicts China's human rights obligations to protect minority communities and their cultures, instead pushing ethnic groups toward a "single, state-defined national identity dominated by Han Chinese culture."

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In the future, individuals from any country whose words or actions are not acceptable to China may become targets of the law or be pursued under it.

Taiwan has formally condemned the law, calling it an expansion of "threats and intimidation against the people of our country and other nations." The Taiwanese foreign ministry warned that individuals from any country could become targets if their actions displease China. In the United States, nine lawmakers, including senior members of the Senate foreign relations committee, have expressed strong opposition, pledging to challenge Beijing's efforts to "legitimize its transnational repression." They specifically highlighted concerns about the law's demand for ideological compliance with the CCP, even from those outside China.

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we are deeply concerned by language in the law that demands ideological compliance with the CCP [Chinese Communist party], mandating that even people outside China deemed to be undermining ‘ethnic unity and progress’ by the Chinese government can be held legally responsible in China.