China's ethnic unity law sparks international criticism and protests

China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, passed by the National People’s Congress on March 12 and effective from July 1, 2026, mandates Mandarin as the primary language of instruction and criminalises any actions deemed to “undermine ethnic unity” or promote “ethnic division.” The legislation gives Chinese authorities broad discretion to pursue domestic dissent and, for the first time, extends legal reach to overseas individuals and organisations accused of harming national cohesion.

Human‑rights groups, U.S. lawmakers and European officials have condemned the law as a tool for cultural assimilation and transnational repression. A U.S. House resolution described it as “a dangerous policy that could be used to silence dissent worldwide.” The European Union’s foreign ministry called the law “maliciously defamatory” of China’s minority policies. Protests were staged in Washington, Brussels, New York, and other cities, with Tibetan and Uyghur activists highlighting fears of increased surveillance, detention and suppression of language and religious practices.

Chinese officials responded defensively. Deputy Justice Minister Hu Weilie called foreign criticism a “distorted interpretation,” while Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the law is “legitimate, lawful, necessary and in line with international practice.” The government also organised public events across several cities to promote the law, showcasing cultural performances and even a robot answering public questions about the legislation.

The law’s ambiguous wording—particularly articles that criminalise “foreign interference” and “ethnic division”—has raised concerns that Beijing could target diaspora communities, journalists and scholars abroad, further straining China’s relations with the United States, the European Union and other democratic states.