On new Chinese law on ‘ethnic unity and progress’ and the intensified suppression of ethnic identities

B100232/2026

European Parliament resolution on new Chinese law on ‘ethnic unity and progress’ and the intensified suppression of ethnic identities

(2026/2703(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation of human rights in China,

having regard to China’s Constitution, notably Article 4 guaranteeing the freedom of all ethnic groups to use and develop their own languages and preserve their customs,

having regard to China’s obligations under international law, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ratified in 2001), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (ratified in 1992), and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (signed in 1998),

having regard to the 1992 UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities,

having regard to the communication of UN Special Rapporteurs of 16 April 2026,

having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, adopted on 12 March 2026, introduces a nationwide framework prioritising ideological conformity and a unified national identity;

whereas several provisions on religion, family life, and the promotion of Mandarin as the primary language of education and administration risk undermining and marginalising the linguistic, cultural and religious rights of ethnic minorities, including Tibetans, Uyghurs and Mongols;

whereas the law contains vague and broad provisions prohibiting acts deemed to “undermine ethnic unity”, potentially enabling censorship and arbitrary enforcement against peaceful expression, academic research and cultural practices;

whereas the law includes extraterritorial provisions that may facilitate transnational repression targeting diaspora communities, researchers, journalists and activists abroad;

whereas UN experts have reported persistent patterns of forced labour, including coercive labour transfers affecting ethnic minorities, which may amount to crimes under international law;

Expresses grave concern that the new law that risks legitimising forced assimilation policies under the pretext of national unity and security;

Warns that a number of provisions in this law depart from China’s own constitution and violate China’s freely undersigned international obligations;

Calls on the Chinese authorities to repeal or substantially amend the law, taking into full account the recommendations of UN Special Rapporteurs and ensuring compliance with international human rights standards;

Condemns policies of forced Sinicisation, including restrictions on the use of minority languages, interference in cultural and religious life, and indoctrination measures;

Denounces the imprisonment of ethnic minority advocates promoting linguistic and cultural rights;

Strongly condemns all forms of forced labour and coercive labour transfer programmes affecting ethnic minorities, and calls on China to ratify relevant ILO conventions, including Conventions No. 29 and 105;

Expresses serious concern over provisions enabling transnational repression and rejects any attempt to intimidate or silence individuals and organisations within the EU;

Calls on the European External Action Service and Member States to raise these issues in the next EU-China Human Rights Dialogue; reaffirms that scrutiny of human rights compliance cannot be characterised as foreign interference;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU, its Member States, and to the People’s Republic of China.