The European Union has expressed concern over China’s newly implemented ethnic unity law, warning that some of its provisions could threaten the rights of ethnic minorities and extend Beijing’s legal authority beyond its borders. The legislation officially came into effect on Wednesday after being approved by Chinese lawmakers in late March.
According to the Chinese government, the law is intended to strengthen national unity by promoting a shared sense of identity among the country’s 55 officially recognized ethnic minority groups, including Tibetans and Uyghurs. Chinese authorities say the legislation is designed to encourage ethnic integration, safeguard national stability, and prevent activities that could threaten the country’s unity.
However, the law has attracted international criticism because it allows Chinese authorities to pursue legal action against individuals outside China who are accused of undermining what Beijing describes as “ethnic unity and progress” or encouraging ethnic separatism. Critics argue that these provisions could significantly expand China’s legal reach and affect people living overseas.
Reacting to the legislation, a spokesperson for the European Union said the bloc is concerned that the law could further restrict the cultural, linguistic, and religious freedoms of ethnic minority communities. The EU warned that such measures may weaken protections for groups that have long raised concerns about preserving their identities and traditions.
The European Union also objected to the law’s potential extraterritorial application, saying countries should not enforce domestic legislation beyond their own borders in ways that conflict with international law. In a statement, the EU stressed that it opposes the extraterritorial use of third-country laws when they violate internationally accepted legal principles.
The spokesperson further urged governments to avoid actions that could amount to transnational repression, referring to efforts to intimidate, monitor, or prosecute individuals living abroad for activities carried out outside the country’s jurisdiction. The EU called on all nations to respect international legal standards and refrain from targeting people overseas through domestic legislation.
The bloc also emphasized that any measures affecting ethnic communities should comply with international human rights standards and China’s obligations under the United Nations framework. According to the EU, protecting the rights of ethnic minorities—including their ability to preserve their language, religion, and cultural heritage—remains a fundamental part of international human rights commitments.
The legislation has also drawn criticism from Taiwan, where officials and commentators argue that the law could provide Beijing with broader legal grounds to target Taiwanese citizens by labeling them supporters of separatism. The measure has added to existing tensions between China and Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory despite Taiwan’s self-governing status.
Human rights organizations have also closely monitored the development of the law, particularly because of longstanding international concerns surrounding the treatment of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region and Tibetans in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Several governments and rights groups have previously accused China of imposing policies that limit religious, cultural, and linguistic freedoms, allegations that Beijing has consistently rejected.
As of now, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not publicly responded to the European Union’s criticism or addressed the concerns raised over the international implications of the new legislation. The law is expected to remain under close international scrutiny as governments and human rights advocates assess its implementation and its potential impact on ethnic minorities and overseas communities.
