Brussels [Belgium] May 3 (ANI): In a resolution, the European Parliament strongly denounced China’s new “Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress,” saying it will deepen systematic suppression of ethnic identities and further strain EU-China relations amid ongoing human rights concerns, Phayul reported.
Lawmakers criticised the legislation adopted by the National People’s Congress on March 12, 2026, which they say marks a major shift in governance of ethnic minorities by emphasizing ideological conformity and expanding use of Mandarin in education, public life and media.
The resolution noted that protecting ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic identities is guaranteed under international law, citing instruments such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. It warned the new law departs from the 1984 Regional Ethnic Autonomy Law and effectively institutionalizes assimilation policies targeting Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, Hui and Manchus.
Parliamentarians also expressed concern that the law allows prosecution of individuals outside China seen as undermining the state’s interpretation of “ethnic unity,” describing this as transnational repression. They called on EU member states to suspend extradition agreements with China to protect those at risk.
The resolution urged the EU to respond concretely, including activating the bloc’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against Chinese officials and entities involved in drafting and enforcing the law, and stressed that human rights, democracy and the rule of law must remain central to EU-China relations.
It reiterated long-standing objections to Beijing’s interference in Tibetan religious affairs, rejecting Chinese involvement in the Dalai Lama succession and calling for the immediate release of political prisoners including Choktrul Dorje Ten Rinpoche, activist Palden Yeshi and the 11th Panchen Lama. The Parliament also urged the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to publish an updated report on the law’s implications, Phayul reported. (ANI)
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