Beijing: The European Union has expressed concern over China's newly enforced ethnic unity law, saying it could further restrict the rights of ethnic minorities and extend Beijing's legal reach beyond its borders. The law, which came into force on July 1, has drawn criticism from several governments, human rights groups and United Nations experts because of provisions that could allow Chinese authorities to pursue individuals and organisations outside China who are accused of harming what Beijing calls ethnic unity.
An EU spokesperson said the bloc is worried that the law could negatively affect the cultural, religious and language rights of ethnic minorities, including Tibetans and Uyghurs. The European Union also questioned the law's overseas application, stating that countries should not enforce laws beyond their borders in ways that conflict with international law. The EU called on governments to avoid any form of transnational repression and to respect the rights and freedoms of people living abroad.
China's Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress was approved by the country's top legislature in March this year and officially took effect on July 1. Chinese authorities say the legislation is designed to strengthen national unity among the country's 55 officially recognised ethnic minority groups and to build a stronger sense of shared national identity.
One of the most debated parts of the law is a provision that allows legal action against people and organisations outside China if they are believed to have supported ethnic separatism or carried out activities considered harmful to China's ethnic unity. Critics say this gives Beijing the ability to target overseas activists, scholars and members of minority communities living in other countries.
The Chinese government has strongly defended the legislation. Vice Justice Minister Hu Weilie recently said that the overseas provisions follow international legal practice and are necessary to protect China's national interests. Chinese officials argue that many countries have laws with some level of overseas application and insist that China has the same right to safeguard its national security and territorial integrity.
Beijing has also rejected criticism from Western governments and rights organisations, saying that some foreign media have misunderstood the purpose of the law. Chinese officials maintain that the legislation is intended to promote equality among ethnic groups, encourage development in minority regions and strengthen social stability.
Taiwan has also voiced strong opposition to the new law. The island's Mainland Affairs Council said the legislation could become another tool for Beijing to pressure Taiwanese citizens and overseas communities. Taiwan described the measure as an example of transnational repression and said Chinese law has no legal authority over people living in Taiwan. Officials in Taipei also called on democratic countries to work together to resist attempts to extend Chinese legal influence beyond its borders.
Human rights organisations have also raised serious concerns. Amnesty International said the law creates a legal framework that could deepen policies of forced assimilation against ethnic minority communities, particularly Uyghurs and Tibetans. The organisation warned that broad and unclear language in the legislation could be used to justify surveillance, intimidation and legal action against critics both inside and outside China.
United Nations human rights experts have expressed similar concerns. They warned that vague definitions within the law, especially regarding actions that undermine ethnic unity, could lead to arbitrary enforcement and further restrictions on cultural, religious and language rights. They also cautioned that the legislation could increase pressure on Chinese diaspora communities living overseas.
The debate over the law comes against the background of long standing international criticism of China's policies in regions such as Xinjiang and Tibet. Western governments and several international organisations have accused Beijing of limiting religious freedom, restricting minority languages and weakening traditional cultural identities. China has consistently rejected those allegations, saying its policies have improved economic development, reduced extremism and brought greater stability to minority regions.
Legal experts say the new law marks another step in China's broader effort to strengthen national security legislation and expand its legal influence beyond its borders. They note that the overseas provisions may create uncertainty for activists, researchers, journalists and members of minority communities who speak publicly about issues related to Tibet, Xinjiang or other ethnic matters.
As international scrutiny continues, the law is expected to remain a source of diplomatic tension between China and several Western governments. While Beijing insists the legislation is necessary to protect national unity and social stability, its critics argue that it raises important questions about human rights, freedom of expression and the growing reach of national laws beyond a country's own borders.