China’s new law on ‘ethnic unity’ sparks global criticism for forcing minorities to conform to Han Chinese culture.

China has enacted a controversial new law aimed at promoting ‘ethnic unity,’ which critics argue will further suppress the cultural, linguistic, and religious identities of the country’s 55 officially recognized minority groups. The law prioritizes the use of Mandarin Chinese in daily life, education, and public services, effectively sidelining minority languages. Parents are also encouraged to instill loyalty to the ruling Communist Party in their children, while religious practices are to be further ‘sinicized’ to align with Chinese cultural norms.

Human rights organizations have long accused the Chinese government of using assimilation policies to oppress minorities, including the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang and Buddhist Tibetans. Critics, including the European Parliament, the United Nations, and the German government, warn that the law could erode the cultural autonomy of ethnic groups and facilitate transnational repression. A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed concern that the law’s broad provisions could be used to target individuals and organizations outside China, pledging firm opposition to such measures.