The article is a translation of a piece by a BBC correspondent. The original is available here.
The Chinese authorities have been criticized for many years for their repressive policies aimed at suppressing ethnic minorities and integrating them into Han culture.
The upcoming law, which is expected to be approved at the annual session of parliament, will enshrine and expand these measures, raising concerns among human rights advocates and scholars about further infringement on minority rights.
Chinese officials justify the law by claiming that it is necessary for "modernization through unity" and label it as a law "to promote national cohesion and progress."
The law downgrades the status of minority languages, promotes inter-ethnic marriage, requires parents to "raise children in the spirit of love for the Communist Party," and prohibits any actions that may threaten "ethnic unity."
Xi Jinping, the Chairman of the People's Republic of China, has repeatedly emphasized the need for "Sinicization of religion," demanding that religious practices conform to the norms established by the Communist Party. Experts view this law as a continuation of policies that have already become an important aspect of his rule.
Aaron Glasserman from the University of Pennsylvania notes: "This law elevates previously applied policies to the level of law, confirming that the regime is confident in the correctness of its actions." As one of the 55 officially recognized ethnic minorities in China, the Uyghurs and other groups remain in the spotlight of the authorities.
Beijing is particularly wary of groups such as the Uyghurs in Xinjiang and Tibetans, who are associated with serious allegations of human rights violations.
Chinese authorities claim that the repressions are justified in response to acts of violence, such as the Tibetan uprising in 2008, which was suppressed with a high number of casualties, and events in Urumqi, where clashes between Uyghurs and Han people resulted in nearly 200 deaths.
At the same time, international organizations such as the UN state that over a million Uyghurs have been placed in camps that the authorities describe as "re-education centers." Additionally, reports indicate the closure of mosques and restrictions on religious practices.
In Tibet, educational institutions are under strict control, and children must study Mandarin without the opportunity to read Buddhist texts, which is a serious blow to the local culture.
Recent unrest has also erupted in Inner Mongolia due to restrictions on the teaching of the Mongolian language and the destruction of mosques in Ningxia.
Amid growing instability, the authorities decided to adopt a new law, which analysts believe effectively cancels existing guarantees of minority rights.
This law also provides the government with additional tools to control strategically important regions that connect China with neighboring states and vital trade routes.
In its analysis of the draft law, China Power cites Mao Zedong, who emphasized that while the Han people are the majority, the resources and territories of minorities are of immense significance to the country.
Despite some minorities, such as the Uyghurs, numbering in the millions, they still significantly lag behind the Han, who make up over 90% of the country's population.
Nevertheless, the territories inhabited by Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongols are rich in resources and play an important role in agriculture, covering significant areas of China.
Historically, these peoples have had periods of independence and have preserved their languages and writing systems, creating cultural diversity in the region.
Although local minorities have attempted to protect their identity, their efforts have largely been unsuccessful, and their diasporas outside of China remain active critics of the regime.
The new "ethnic unity" law significantly simplifies the implementation of existing policies, providing officials with clearer directives.
The Chinese government also continues to encourage the resettlement of Han people in Tibet and Xinjiang, which critics argue leads to the demographic displacement of local minorities. This results in a noticeable influence of Han culture in the capitals of these regions.
Furthermore, the government offers financial incentives for inter-ethnic marriages, especially between Uyghurs and Han people, which is also seen as an attempt to assimilate minorities. The new law grants additional powers in this regard.
Glasserman notes that the law does not explicitly mention the promotion of inter-ethnic marriages; however, it restricts interference in the freedom of marriage choice based on ethnicity or religion.
He provides an example of a local official who faces religious barriers while trying to resolve inter-ethnic marriage issues.
"Imagine an official who is trying to avoid problems to not lose their job or get a promotion. They may try to resolve the situation in a way that prevents the marriage from happening, but the new law makes this harder," explains Glasserman.
In China in 2026, it is virtually impossible to obtain comments from Uyghurs, Tibetans, or Mongols living in their historical territories, as criticism of state policy can lead to criminal liability.
Nevertheless, foreign human rights organizations are already expressing their concerns.
By limiting education in native languages, the new law ensures that "Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Mongols will no longer be able to study subjects in their languages, which is part of an ongoing campaign to assimilate ethnic minorities into Han society," stated the organization Campaign for Uyghurs.
According to information from Phayul, "critics view this law as a new stage in the accelerated campaign of 'Sinicization' led by Xi Jinping."
At the same time, the Communist Party acknowledges that the law is aimed at assimilation but considers it a positive process.
According to officials, the law will contribute to strengthening national unity and integrating ethnic minorities into the overall development of the country.
The Party claims that the Han are at a higher level of modernization compared to other ethnic groups, implying their backwardness.
Glasserman adds that this creates difficulties for the central government in interacting with local officials, who may ignore the cultural traditions of minorities.
In the past, local authorities have coerced Muslims into practices that do not align with their traditions, leading to conflicts. The new law may help standardize the authorities' response in such cases.
Human rights organizations believe that the new law reflects political ambitions more than real measures against offenders.
"It formalizes the ideological framework associated with the 'common consciousness of the Chinese nation' in the areas of education, culture, and economic development," notes Human Rights Watch researcher Yalkun Uluyol.
Experts believe that Beijing does not need a new law to demonstrate its power; however, its adoption signals Xi Jinping's intentions for the future.
The record "China adopts law on 'ethnic unity'. How will it change control over minorities?" first appeared on K-News.
