China's new ethnic unity law sparks international criticism

China's parliament has passed the "Law to Promote Ethnic Unity and Progress," which will take effect on 1 July. The legislation obliges all ethnic groups to identify with Chinese culture and the Communist Party, mandates Mandarin as the primary language in schools and official communications, and requires parents to educate children to love the Party. It criminalises any act deemed to undermine ethnic unity, with provisions that can be applied to individuals and organisations outside China.

Tibetan and Uyghur representatives describe the law as a tool for forced assimilation and label it "cultural genocide." Diaspora communities in Australia fear it could be used to target activists, while European officials warn it infringes on the sovereignty of other states. The European Parliament has adopted a resolution urging Beijing to repeal the law, and the UN human‑rights commissioner has warned it could deepen restrictions on language, religion and cultural expression. Chinese officials defend the measure as lawful and necessary for national cohesion.