China’s New Law on National Unity and Progress
On Thursday, China’s parliament adopted the Law on Advancing National Unity and Progress, a move that officially acknowledges the Chinese government’s enduring commitment to bolster national identity and integrate various ethnic groups.
This legislation was ratified during the final session of the 4th National People’s Congress in Beijing, as part of the annual parliamentary session. According to state media, the goal of this law is to establish “a strong sense of community among the Chinese nation” as a guiding principle of national policy.
Additionally, it aims to promote development in regions with significant ethnic minority populations and encourage what the government calls shared prosperity among the 56 recognized ethnic groups in China.
Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, mentioned that the law targets the governance of ethnic issues in alignment with legal standards.
The bill’s translation emphasizes that “all people, organizations, and groups in the country, including military, party, social organizations, and enterprises, should cultivate a common consciousness of the Chinese nation in accordance with the law and assume responsibility for this cultivation.”
However, some scholars and external observers voice concerns. They argue the provision might dilute the cultural identities of ethnic minorities, as it mandates the use of Mandarin in compulsory education and sets a legal precedent for pursuing individuals or organizations abroad that are perceived to undermine “ethnic unity.”
According to the 7th National Census, China’s total population reached 1.44 billion by November 2020, with 91.11% identified as Han Chinese and 8.89% as belonging to various ethnic minorities.
Critics of the law, including James Liebold from La Trobe University, describe the changes as a serious breach of the initial promise of autonomy made by the ruling party. Similarly, Harvard legal scholar Rayhan Assat notes that the law may serve as a tool for governments to justify a range of human rights abuses.
