China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law took effect on July 1, putting into practice President Xi Jinping’s goal of creating a single national identity. Officials in Beijing state that the measure supports harmony among groups and protects national security. However, the United Nations, Taiwan and human rights organizations say it may speed up the integration of minority populations and extend Chinese legal authority outside its borders.
The law seeks to build a common Chinese identity among the country’s 56 recognized ethnic groups. The Han majority makes up over 90 percent of the population, while smaller groups include Uyghurs, Tibetans, Mongols, Hui and Kazakhs.
It turns ethnic unity into a legal duty in schools, government offices, cultural sites and local administrations.
Key requirements include keeping Mandarin as the main language in education and official bodies, teaching students loyalty to the nation, guiding parents to raise children supportive of the ruling party, and directing museums and libraries to highlight national history. Local authorities can also plan housing to encourage mixing and can act against actions seen as harming unity.
Rights organizations claim the rules go beyond social cohesion and push minority groups toward a state-approved identity based on Han culture. They warn of reduced use of minority languages, limits on religious practice, weaker cultural traditions and tighter control over education and speech.
The measure is viewed as strengthening existing policies in Xinjiang and Tibet, such as Mandarin-only classes and greater political supervision.
A disputed section allows China to penalize people and groups abroad if they are judged to threaten ethnic unity.
Representatives of Tibetan and Uyghur communities say the law backs efforts to change their identities through Mandarin education, boarding schools and curbs on religion.
The UN human rights chief has urged repeal, warning of further limits on language, schooling, faith and assembly rights.
Taiwan has criticized the law, saying it could target citizens overseas for speech or actions opposed by Beijing and increase pressure on Taiwanese supporters.
