China Enforces New “Ethnic Unity” Law Amid Growing Concerns Over Uyghur Rights and Transnational Repression

China Enforces New “Ethnic Unity” Law Amid Growing Concerns Over Uyghur Rights and Transnational Repression
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China has implemented its new “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress,” a measure that critics say could deepen cultural assimilation policies and further restrict the rights of Uyghur Muslims and other minority communities.

The law requires government bodies, educational institutions, and citizens to support efforts aimed at integrating ethnic minorities with the Han Chinese majority. It also introduces mandatory Mandarin-language education from preschool age and establishes a reporting system encouraging citizens to report behavior deemed harmful to national unity.

The legislation also includes provisions that could apply to foreign individuals and organizations accused by Beijing of “creating division” or “undermining national unity.” Critics say the broad and vague wording raises serious concerns over transnational repression, self-censorship, and the targeting of activists, researchers, and diaspora communities abroad.

Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang, also known by many Uyghurs as East Turkestan, are considered among the most vulnerable to the new policy. Rights groups have long accused the Chinese Communist Party of imposing religious, cultural, and linguistic restrictions on the region’s Muslim population.

According to Japan’s Kyodo News, the law has faced strong international criticism. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for the law to be repealed, warning that it could further restrict minority rights related to language, education, religious practice, culture, expression, and peaceful assembly.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council also criticized the vague provisions of the law, saying Beijing could use them to intimidate people and promote self-censorship.

Concerns have also grown in Japan over the law’s cross-border implications. Four groups of Japanese parliamentarians issued a joint statement warning that, under the pretext of countering foreign interference, the law could threaten freedom of expression and academic research outside China and increase surveillance and insecurity for Uyghur and Tibetan communities living in Japan.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Tokyo would take necessary measures to protect the safety of its citizens against what it views as excessive legal actions by Beijing.