China’s Ethnic Unity Law Sparks Global Outcry

On 1 July 2026 the National People’s Congress enacted the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law (EUPPL). It criminalises “violent terrorist, ethnic separatist or religious extremist activities”, mandates Mandarin as primary language in schools, obliges parents to teach loyalty to the Communist Party, and extends liability abroad for “undermining ethnic unity”.

CNN

Since 2012 President Xi Jinping’s “sinicisation” campaign has shifted language instruction to Mandarin in Tibetan and Xinjiang regions and expanded state-run boarding schools for minority children. The law formalises those practices across all 56 recognised ethnic groups, including the Han majority, which accounts for over 90 % of China’s 1.4 billion population.

Baltic state lawmakers condemn China’s ethnic assimilation law, as 151 Tibet groups urge 14 foreign ministers to intervene

Defending the law are President Xi and Vice Justice Minister Hu Weilie. Critics are UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, Amnesty International deputy director Sarah Brooks, World Uyghur Congress vice president Zumretay Arkin, International Campaign for Tibet head Bhuchung Tsering and Central Tibetan Administration representative Thinlay Chukki. US Senators John Curtis and Jacky Rosen and Italian Senator Giulio Terzi oppose the law.

Hong Kong Free Press

China recognises 55 official ethnic minorities. About one million Tibetan children are in state-run boarding schools, with a similar system in Xinjiang. Article 63 extends criminal liability to overseas individuals and organisations, potentially exposing diaspora activists.

Czech, Swiss Tibet support lawmakers condemn ethnic assimilation law Beijing defends as modernization drive

The UN Human Rights Council urged repeal, warning the law could deepen restrictions on language, education, religion, culture, expression and assembly. Beijing says the statute protects “the legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic groups”. The US Senate resolution calls for sanctions, citing transnational repression. The EU and parliaments in Italy, the Czech Republic and Switzerland have passed repeal resolutions.

Czech Lawmakers Condemn China’s New Ethnic Unity Law; Warn It Amounts to “Cultural Genocide” Against Tibetans – Central Tibetan Administration

Tibetan and Uyghur representatives call the law a “cultural genocide” that erases minority identities. Amnesty International warns it creates a legal basis for forced assimilation and could criminalise advocacy. Scholars such as James Leibold note a “chilling effect” on research and diaspora activism. Parliamentary groups in Italy, the Czech Republic and Switzerland warn the statute threatens Tibetan language and culture within a generation.

International opposition mounts against China’s new ethnic unity law as CTA urges coordinated action

Chinese officials say the law merely standardises national cohesion; rights experts argue it institutionalises forced assimilation. Vague terms such as “undermining ethnic unity” lack precise definitions, creating enforcement uncertainty.

CNN

UN mechanisms will review the law’s compliance with international human-rights conventions. Several states are preparing sanctions or diplomatic démarches, and the EU resolution calls for coordinated action before the 1 July implementation date.

Baltic state lawmakers condemn China’s ethnic assimilation law, as 151 Tibet groups urge 14 foreign ministers to intervene

• “Or, as described by Tibetans, a cultural genocide.” — Thinlay Chukki, CTA representative.

Behind the language of “unity” and “progress,” China’s new law is about more control and assimilation in Tibet and Xinjiang

• “The new law, she warned, “will completely eradicate Uyghur identity, heritage, religion.” — Zumretay Arkin, World Uyghur Congress.

Hong Kong Free Press

• “If you read these two together, it’s virtually forcing children to report on their parents,” — Bhuchung Tsering, International Campaign for Tibet.

Hong Kong Free Press

• “The CCP’s new ethnic conformity law signals an escalation in Beijing’s longstanding campaign to erase the cultural identities of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, Christians, and other minorities—all while giving the CCP a pretext to intimidate critics far beyond China’s borders,” — Sen. John Curtis (R-UT).

New Tang Dynasty