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

B100214/2026

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 Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

Whereas the recent adoption of a new law on “ethnic unity and progress” by the People’s Republic of China, raises serious concerns regarding its compatibility with international human rights standards; whereas the law was adopted in early March and is due to enter into force on 1 July 2026;

Whereas this legislation states that The state respects and protects the learning and use of minority languages while at the same time promoting the learning of Mandarin as a common national language; whereas nevertheless concerns persist on the possibility of institutionalising policies aimed at enforcing a singular national identity, undermining the rights of ethnic minorities to preserve and develop their own cultures, traditions, languages and beliefs, as protected under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;

whereas on 16 April, UN experts addressed a letter to the Chinese authorities regarding the Law, raising concerns about its potential adverse impact on the right to freedom of expression, access to education in minority language, the right to fully participate in cultural life, the right to adequate housing, the right to development, the right to freedom of religion and belief, the rights to freedom of assembly and association, the principle of legality and transnational repression;

whereas in the past, many United Nations (UN) experts have pointed out that China's policies toward ethnic groups were more akin to “assimilation"; whereas this new law risks further eroding the rights and cultural identities of these groups;

whereas linguistic diversity is under pressure worldwide including within Europe;

Denounces the law on “ethnic unity and progress” which could facilitate the erosion of ethnic identities and undermine the cultural, linguistic and religious rights of minority groups in China;

Takes notes that according to the Chinese authorities, the law aims to promote the learning of Mandarin as a common national language without undermining the minority rights;

Underlines that the legislation should in no case undermine the relevant international norms prohibiting discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, religion or language, or amount to serious breaches of cultural rights, freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and the right to private and family life;

Calls on the Chinese authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure full compliance of this legislation with international human rights standards, including the protection of minority rights and the principle of non-discrimination;

Urges China to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of all ethnic groups to maintain their own languages, cultures, and religions calls at the same time on the EU Member States to ensure that the promotion and protection of regional and minority languages, is carried out in full respect of fundamental rights;

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