Beijing dismisses criticism of new ethnic unity law

China asserted its right to hold entities outside its borders accountable for actions that undermine its ethnic unity and create divisions, a senior official said, emphasizing that this aligns with international practice and is both legal and necessary.

Responding to Western media claims that the extraterritorial clause in China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law represents "long-arm jurisdiction", Hu Weilie, vice-minister of justice, dismissed these characterizations as "unobjective and legally unfounded".

Under the law, which will take effect on July 1, overseas organizations and individuals undermining China's ethnic solidarity or engaging in ethnic separatism targeting the country will be held legally accountable.

"The provision is grounded in China's national conditions and is consistent with legal principles and international practice," Hu said."Safeguarding national unity, territorial integrity and social stability falls within the sovereign rights of all countries, and is a basic principle established under international law."

He said that nations around the world have the right to prevent separatist activities and maintain social cohesion and public order through domestic legislation.

The provision is also part of broader efforts to strengthen the legal foundation for ethnic affairs and protect the fundamental interests of people from all ethnic groups, he noted. "We firmly oppose all acts that use ethnicity, religion or human rights as pretexts to smear, contain or suppress China," he added.

The law codified long-standing and effective governance practices concerning ethnic work, providing a legal basis for combating unlawful conduct, he said, adding that it will not affect normal people-to-people and cultural exchanges, academic dialogue, or economic and trade cooperation between China and other countries.

Over the past decade, China's legal framework governing ethnic affairs has become more comprehensive, delivering stronger protection for cultivating a sense of unity among the Chinese people and advancing the development of all ethnic groups.

According to Lei Jianbin, deputy head of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, in addition to the upcoming law, more than 10 other Chinese laws also incorporate content related to ethnic issues, including the Legislation Law, the Patriotic Education Law, and the Law on Publicity and Education on the Rule of Law.

He highlighted that the legal framework on ethnic affairs is a "very important" part of China's socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics, adding that many local governments have also adopted regulations to promote ethnic unity and progress.

"These local rules, along with the Constitution and national laws, form a complete legal system for ethnic affairs," he added.