President Xi Jinping attends a ceremony in Urumqi marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of China's establishment of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. October 25, 2025. (Screenshot from Chinese Central Television footage via Kyodo News)
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China's Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, which penalizes acts that undermine "ethnic unity," took effect on July 1. The law is expected to tighten ethnic minority policy in regions such as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and to increase pressure on Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party government, which Beijing regards as pro-independence.
A clause extending jurisdiction beyond China's borders has raised concern overseas, but the Chinese government defends it as "legitimate and lawful."
The law states that Chinese citizens have "a duty to safeguard national unification and the unity of all ethnic groups across the country" and calls for the widespread use of standard Mandarin. This is likely to further advance assimilation policies in Xinjiang and the Tibet Autonomous Region, which have already drawn criticism from Western countries.
The law also states that the government "supports" Hong Kong and Macau in expanding education related to the history of the Chinese nation.
Regarding Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory, the law specifies that it will "strengthen a sense of belonging to the Chinese nation," suggesting an intent to reinforce unification efforts.
A Law Without Clear Limits
In mid-March, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council said that Beijing would "take all necessary measures and punish, in accordance with the law, acts by 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces that undermine ethnic unity," signaling a policy of increased pressure on President Lai Ching-te's DPP government.
The law also provides that if overseas organizations or individuals commit acts that undermine China's ethnic unity, they will be held "legally responsible." Western human rights groups have expressed concern that this could facilitate an expansion of China's control beyond its own borders.
In response, Hu Weilie, a vice minister at China's Ministry of Justice, said at a press conference in late June that the provisions "conform to legal principles and are consistent with international practice," pushing back against overseas criticism as "slander." He said that only "illegal acts" would be targeted and that "accountability will be pursued strictly in accordance with the law," but did not specify which acts would be deemed illegal.
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China's New Ethnic Law Legalizes Forced Assimilation, Violates Constitution
Author: Shohei Mitsuka, The Sankei Shimbun
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