Key facts
- China's new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress took effect on July 1.
- The law allows for legal accountability of individuals and groups outside China for actions deemed to undermine ethnic unity.
- China claims the extraterritorial provision is legal, necessary, and aligns with international practices.
- The legislation has raised concerns among critics in Japan, Europe, and among rights groups.
- The UNHCR and EU have called for the repeal of the law.
China's new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, which became effective on July 1, has sparked international concern due to its provisions for extraterritorial jurisdiction. The law aims to foster a shared national identity among China's 55 ethnic minority groups, including Tibetans and Uyghurs, some of whom have historically resisted Chinese rule.
Beijing asserts that the law's clause allowing it to target individuals and groups outside its borders for undermining "ethnic unity and progress" or inciting "ethnic separatism" is legal, necessary, and consistent with global practices. Vice Justice Minister Hu Weilie stated that such measures are legitimate and feasible for maintaining national sovereignty, security, and the rights of all ethnic groups, while assuring that normal international exchanges will not be affected.
However, the legislation has drawn criticism from various international bodies and nations. A Japanese delegate noted that "no democratic nation could tolerate" such a move. Rights groups have also voiced alarm, citing past instances where China allegedly used Interpol "red notices" to pursue political dissidents abroad. Taiwan, in particular, fears the law could provide Beijing with another legal basis to pursue individuals it deems separatists. Consequently, the UNHCR and the EU have formally urged China to repeal the new law.