China's Ethnic Unity Law Extends Legal Reach to Overseas Critics, Raising Taiwan Alarm

China’s National People’s Congress approved the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, which takes effect on July 1. The legislation covers all 55 recognised ethnic minorities and includes a controversial provision that holds individuals and organisations outside China liable for actions deemed to undermine “ethnic unity” or to promote separatism.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council warned that the law could be used against Taiwanese politicians, scholars, journalists, business leaders and other supporters of Taiwan’s independence, echoing concerns from rights groups and UN human‑rights experts who said the measure risks transnational repression and forced assimilation. Chinese officials, including Vice Justice Minister Hu Weilie, defended the law as legal, necessary and consistent with international practice, arguing it protects national security and social solidarity.