China's Ethnic Unity Law Targets Ethnic Groups Inside and Outside China

The Chinese government passed the new Ethnic Unity and Progress Law on March 12, which aims to promote Mandarin as a common language and integrate all 56 officially recognized ethnic groups into a single Chinese identity. The law also allows Beijing to hold foreign individuals accountable for actions that undermine ethnic unity. Human rights defenders have expressed concern over the vague wording of the provision, which could be used to persecute peaceful advocacy and criticism of Chinese policy by individuals residing outside China. This new legislation is likely to escalate diplomatic conflicts between China and governments that already accuse it of interference in their domestic affairs.