China rejects US, EU criticism over controversial new ethnic law

BEIJING: China has strongly rejected criticism from the United States and the European Union over its newly enforced ethnic unity law, calling the allegations a “malicious smear” and accusing Western governments of interfering in its internal affairs.

The controversial legislation, which officially came into force on July 1, has drawn international attention because it gives Beijing legal grounds to pursue individuals and organizations outside China’s borders if they are accused of promoting ethnic separatism or undermining what it describes as “ethnic unity and progress.”

The law is part of Beijing’s broader effort to strengthen a shared national identity among China’s 55 officially recognized ethnic minority groups, including Tibetans and Uyghurs. Chinese authorities say the legislation is designed to safeguard national unity and protect the rights of all ethnic communities, while critics fear it could be used to silence dissent far beyond China’s borders.

Responding to concerns raised by Washington and Brussels, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed the criticism, saying certain countries were motivated by political bias rather than facts.

According to Guo, China has made significant progress in economic development and human rights protection, accusing foreign governments of spreading misinformation to damage China’s international image. He urged those countries to stop what he described as false accusations and respect China’s sovereignty.

The law has generated particular concern in Taiwan, where officials believe it could become another legal instrument for Beijing to target supporters of Taiwanese independence.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng warned that the legislation appears to have an unusually broad international reach. He compared it to an “imperial edict,” saying its long-arm jurisdiction seemingly extends across the globe.

Chiu also advised Taiwanese citizens to exercise caution when travelling to countries with close diplomatic ties to Beijing, including Belarus and Cambodia, warning that extradition requests could become a growing concern.

Taiwan’s government has firmly rejected Beijing’s claims of sovereignty over the island, insisting that Chinese laws have no legal authority there.

Meanwhile, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office attempted to reassure ordinary Taiwanese travelers, saying there was “no need for concern.” However, officials also warned that anyone supporting what Beijing considers separatist activities aimed at dividing the country would face legal consequences under the new law.

The dispute highlights growing tensions between China and Western governments over human rights, national security and the expanding reach of Chinese legislation, with analysts expecting the new law to remain a major source of international controversy in the months ahead.