China’s new ethnic unity law has taken effect, giving Beijing another legal tool to pursue people and organisations it says threaten national cohesion, including some outside mainland China.
The Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress was passed by the National People’s Congress in March and came into force on Wednesday, July 1. It is framed by Chinese authorities as a measure to build a shared national identity among the Han majority and 55 officially recognised minority groups.
Article 63 has drawn the sharpest reaction abroad. According to a translation of the provision, organisations and individuals outside mainland China who commit crimes aimed at China that undermine ethnic unity or create ethnic division can be pursued for legal responsibility.
Rights groups say the wording could be used against minority advocates, diaspora activists and critics of Chinese policy in Tibet, Xinjiang and other regions. Amnesty International’s Sarah Brooks said: “Peaceful advocacy for minority rights in China by anyone, anywhere could be characterised as undermining ‘ethnic unity’.”
The concern follows years of international criticism over Beijing’s treatment of Uighurs, Tibetans and other minority communities. Chinese authorities have rejected accusations of forced assimilation and say their policies are aimed at security, development and social order.
Chinese officials defended the overseas provision after the law drew scrutiny. Zhou Jianshe, a spokesperson for the State Council Information Office Press Bureau, said Article 63 was a “legitimate, lawful, necessary, and workable legal provision” and accused Western media of trying to portray it as “long-arm jurisdiction”.
Taiwan also reacted after the law took effect. President William Lai Ching-te urged citizens to be cautious when travelling to or living in China, and Taipei said it would keep monitoring the measure and issue guidance to officials overseas.
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China and has described some Taiwanese leaders as separatists. Taiwan governs itself and rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claim.
For critics, the test will be how China applies the law beyond its borders. For Beijing, the stated line is that the measure protects sovereignty and order, not ordinary exchanges.
