A new report has raised concerns over China’s recently enacted Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, warning that its impact could extend beyond domestic governance to influence international relations and cross-border enforcement. According to the report, the legislation strengthens the Chinese government’s authority over language, identity, and political loyalty while introducing provisions that critics believe could be used against dissent both within and outside the country.
The law mandates the use of Mandarin as the primary language of instruction across China’s education system from early childhood. While Beijing says the measure is aimed at promoting national unity, analysts cited in the report argue that it formalises long-standing assimilation policies affecting ethnic minority communities. The report also notes that broadly worded provisions against activities deemed to “undermine ethnic unity” could allow authorities wide discretion in enforcing the law.
The report further highlights concerns over the legislation’s extraterritorial provisions, which state that individuals or organisations outside China may face legal consequences if their actions are considered harmful to ethnic unity or supportive of separatism. Analysts say this could potentially affect diaspora communities, activists, academics, and journalists, while also reinforcing Beijing’s stance against what it describes as foreign interference in its internal affairs.
