On March 12, 2026, an important event in the field of national policy took place in China: at the closing session of the 4th session of the National People's Congress, a law titled "On Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress" was adopted. Signed by Chairman Xi Jinping, this document sets the development direction for all 56 ethnic groups in the country for many years to come.
According to the state agency "Xinhua," the new law will come into effect on July 1, 2026. Its main task is to transform the concept of "a unified Chinese nation" from a mere slogan into a clear legal norm.
Support for Small Ethnic Groups
The law declares the beginning of a new era of "shared prosperity." This means that state support for representatives of ethnic minorities will be increased in key areas:
Economic initiatives: The law requires authorities to direct additional funds towards the development of infrastructure and industry in national autonomous regions, which will help close the gap in living standards between developed coastal regions and remote ethnic areas.
Social opportunities: The document guarantees equal access to labor markets for small ethnic groups across the country, effectively removing hidden barriers to hiring and training, opening up career advancement opportunities in the largest cities in China.
Cultural heritage: An important aspect of the law concerns the protection of cultural heritage. The state commits to digitizing and preserving the languages, literature, and traditions of small ethnic groups, ensuring that national wealth becomes part of the overall Chinese cultural context.
Education as the Key to Integration
The law also emphasizes equality in the educational sphere for youth from all regions.
A key tool in this process is proficiency in the state language (Putonghua). The document provides for the implementation of unified educational standards and training programs in Chinese, which will give graduates from ethnic villages the same opportunities for success as their peers from Beijing or Shanghai. The ability to speak the common language fluently will allow youth to enroll in the leading universities of the country.
At the same time, the law proposes the integration of the idea of "harmonious coexistence." It emphasizes that knowledge of the state language should not replace native culture, but rather complement it, helping different peoples to better understand each other and strengthen friendly ties within the framework of "one big family."
Thus, the law adopted in 2026 establishes a model in which the ethnic diversity of China is united by common legal guarantees and a commitment to economic development.
