China’s new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress will come into force on July 1, marking one of Beijing’s most significant legislative efforts in recent years to strengthen national integration across the country’s diverse ethnic communities.

Passed by the 14th National People’s Congress on March 12 and signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping the same day, the law contains 65 articles across seven chapters and outlines Beijing’s approach to ethnic policy, language use, education, religion and social integration.

Focus on National Identity

The legislation seeks to promote what Chinese authorities describe as a shared national identity among China’s 56 officially recognised ethnic groups.

According to the law, integration efforts will extend across education, housing, migration, community development, culture, tourism and economic policy.

China’s ethnic minority populations—including Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongols, Hui and Manchus—are concentrated across regions covering nearly half of the country’s land area.

Mandarin Given Central Role

One of the law’s key provisions establishes Mandarin as the basic language of instruction in schools and the primary language for government and official affairs.

Where Mandarin and minority languages are used together, Mandarin must be given greater prominence in placement and presentation.

At the same time, the legislation states that the Chinese state respects and protects the learning and use of minority languages and scripts.

Religion and Social Integration

The law also reinforces Beijing’s policy of the “Sinicisation” of religion, requiring religious groups, institutions and venues to align with Chinese national conditions and state policies.

In addition, the legislation prohibits interference with marriage choices based on ethnicity, religion or customary practices, a provision aimed at encouraging greater interaction and integration among different ethnic groups.

Article 63 Draws Attention

Among the most closely watched provisions is Article 63, which states that China may pursue legal action against organisations and individuals outside mainland China who engage in activities directed at China that allegedly undermine ethnic unity or promote ethnic division.

The provision has attracted attention because of its potential extraterritorial scope, drawing comparisons with earlier Chinese laws that extended legal claims beyond the country’s borders.

Supporters argue the measure is intended to counter separatism and external interference, while critics say the language is broad and could raise concerns about how such provisions might be interpreted in practice.

Part of a Broader Governance Agenda

Chinese officials describe the legislation as part of a wider effort to strengthen national cohesion, social stability and long-term development.

The law was approved overwhelmingly by the National People’s Congress, receiving 2,756 votes in favour, with three votes against and three abstentions.

As the legislation takes effect on July 1, it is expected to play a central role in shaping China’s ethnic, educational and religious policies in the years ahead.

(with inputs from Reuters)