China’s ethnic unity law denounced as “forced assimilation” by rights groups

Law comes into effect that critics fear will further erode rights of Uyghurs and Tibetans, as well as allow Beijing to pursue dissidents abroad.

A controversial new ethnic unity law has officially come into effect in China despite widespread condemnation from Taiwan, the United Nations and international rights groups who warn it threatens the fundamental freedoms of minority communities. The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress purports to forge a shared national identity by strengthening the status of Mandarin as the country’s official language, formalising longstanding policies to mandate its use across education, official business and public spaces. However, overseas campaigners argue that the legislation heavily institutionalises policies of forced assimilation, eroding the cultural, linguistic and religious rights of ethnic minorities like the Uyghurs and Tibetans.

Deepening international concern is a specific clause within the legislation dictating that individuals can be held legally liable for violating the law even when residing outside of Chinese territory. United States lawmakers, alongside Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, have fiercely criticised the provision, stating it provides Beijing with a manufactured legal framework to expand its transnational repression and target international critics. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has called for the immediate repeal of the law, noting it significantly deepens restrictions on basic freedoms, whilst Chinese judicial officials, including Vice-Minister of Justice Hu Weilie, have strongly defended the measure as a necessary tool to combat illegal acts that undermine ethnic unity or incite separatism.