China's Law on Ethnic Unity Takes Effect, Amnesty International Warns of Increased Transnational Repression

(CNA, Reporter Chiu Te-chen, Sydney, July 1) Amnesty International Australia issued a statement today, asserting that China's "Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress" not only forces ethnic minorities to accept a single ethnic identity designated by the authorities but also provides a legal basis for China's transnational repression. Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for Asia-Pacific, Sarah Brooks, expressed "deep concern" over this.

China's "Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress" took effect today. In response, Sarah Brooks criticized the law, stating that it infringes upon the fundamental human rights of ethnic minorities within China. She said, "Chinese authorities should be fulfilling their obligations to protect the human rights of ethnic minorities and preserve their cultures; however, this law does the exact opposite."

Brooks pointed out that the law does not promote cherishing the differences in various ethnic cultures but instead negates the value of diverse ethnic identities. She stated, "(The law) forces ethnic minorities such as Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Mongolians to accept a single ethnic identity defined by the state, dominated by Han Chinese culture."

Brooks further criticized that the Chinese government is using the name of "unity" to forcibly promote an officially designated political ideology. She said, "The 'unity' mentioned in the law does not refer to harmony between different ethnic groups; rather, it means to align politically and ideologically with the Communist Party of China."

Brooks explained that the law is not intended to protect cultural diversity and ethnic equality but requires all ethnic groups to cooperate with the unified ideology designated by the authorities.

Brooks warned that as the law begins to take effect, China's transnational repression activities may intensify. She said, "The Chinese authorities have publicly stated their intention to extend this law beyond China's borders, which is deeply concerning. The law could provide a legal basis for existing transnational repression, meaning that anyone, anywhere, who advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities within China, even peacefully, could be defined as undermining 'ethnic unity.'"

Brooks believes that the law may become a tool for Beijing to further suppress human rights within China. She said, "Within China, advocacy activities that carry significant risks, such as promoting minority languages, documenting human rights abuses, or calling for the release of individuals detained for expressing their culture, views, or beliefs, could be further defined as criminal activities."

As the law officially comes into force, Brooks fears that Beijing authorities will further enforce ethnic assimilation policies. She said, "The law provides a legal framework at the national level for policies that already severely harm the rights of Uyghurs, Tibetans, and other non-Han ethnic groups, giving them legal backing. We anticipate that with the emergence of this law, China's current forced assimilation policies will become more institutionalized."

Amnesty International's statement indicated that the law's promotion of "ethnic unity" is a process of achieving the political goals of the Communist Party of China's leadership, including advancing Xi Jinping Thought and the "great rejuvenation" of reshaping national political identity.

The statement mentioned that the law's provisions prohibiting acts that "undermine ethnic unity and create ethnic division" are vaguely worded and defined, raising concerns that Chinese authorities may enforce them arbitrarily. The statement also noted that Amnesty International has documented China's use of transnational repression tactics, including how China monitors overseas diaspora communities, harasses critics of China abroad, intimidates the families of targeted individuals in China, and pressures foreign governments to extradite specific individuals to China. (Editor: Chen Cheng-kung) 1160701

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