Xi’s bold move: China to enforce its new ethnic unity law, globally

 The Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, which comes into force on July 1, seeks to strengthen what Beijing describes as a shared national identity among the country’s ethnic groups. One provision extends potential legal liability to people and organisations outside China, an aspect that has drawn particular scrutiny. Rights advocates warn that the measure could provide fresh legal grounds for targeting overseas campaigners from communities such as the Uyghurs and Tibetans. The Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, which comes into force on July 1, seeks to strengthen what Beijing describes as a shared national identity among the country’s ethnic groups. One provision extends potential legal liability to people and organisations outside China, an aspect that has drawn particular scrutiny. Rights advocates warn that the measure could provide fresh legal grounds for targeting overseas campaigners from communities such as the Uyghurs and Tibetans.