China's new Ethnic Unity Law sparks international criticism over minority rights

China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, effective 1 July, mandates Mandarin as the language of instruction, requires all ethnic groups to adopt “correct” views of the Party and nation, and criminalises activities deemed separatist or extremist. Article 63 extends legal liability to individuals and organisations abroad that are judged to “undermine ethnic unity”.

Tibetan and Uyghur representatives at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva warned the law amounts to “cultural genocide”, calling it a legalisation of erasing their language, religion and identity. UN rights chief Volker Turk urged the law be repealed.

Australian Tibetan and Uyghur groups told the Albanese government the law could be weaponised against diaspora activists and urged a public condemnation; Australia’s DFAT said it is concerned the law could curtail rights beyond China’s borders.

A bipartisan group of US senators, including Lindsey Graham and Sheldon Whitehouse, sent a joint letter to Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng urging Beijing to rescind the legislation and warning that extraterritorial prosecution would violate US sovereignty.

The European Parliament also adopted a resolution calling for repeal, citing severe consequences for EU‑China relations. Beijing defended the measure as “legitimate, lawful, necessary and feasible”, saying it conforms to international practice.