cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/10140135

On 1 July China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress (中华人民共和国民族团结进步促进法) entered into force. Adopted in March, the law has since drawn criticism from China analysts, Western governments, and human rights organizations.

The legislation expands the scope of Chinese jurisdiction beyond its territory, making it a potentially powerful instrument of transnational repression. It targets not only ethnic groups Beijing perceives as threats under its broad national security framework, but also foreign citizens. Taiwan’s National Security Bureau has already warned its citizens against traveling to China, citing risks linked to the law’s vague provisions.

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The law also functions as a tool of broader sinicization in regions Beijing considers politically sensitive. Article 21 extends these requirements to Hong Kong and Macao, while also addressing Taiwan by promoting cross-strait exchanges and strengthening a shared sense of identity, belonging, and cultural inheritance. The same article emphasizes strengthening ties with overseas Chinese communities, encouraging them to promote Chinese culture and support China’s national objectives. This reflects a broader United Front approach, in which diaspora communities are not only cultural bridges but also political actors encouraged to align with Beijing’s narratives and interests.

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The extraterritorial reach of the law has raised concerns in the European Union and the United States, particularly regarding its potential application to foreign citizens. Taiwan’s National Security Bureau Director Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) warned citizens against traveling to China, noting that the law vaguely defines offenses such as “undermining ethnic unity” and that under its provisions, Chinese authorities may investigate individuals, including foreign nationals, seize property, and inspect electronic devices.

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Why does it matter?

This legislation represents a significant expansion of China’s transnational repression toolkit. By combining vague legal definitions with extraterritorial jurisdiction, it creates legal uncertainty not only for Chinese diaspora communities, but also for foreign nationals engaging with China-related issues.

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