On new Chinese law on ‘ethnic unity and progress’ and the intensified suppression of ethnic identities
B-10-2026-0232
on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Hannes Heide
- Voted on · Adopted 439–52–71 · See the decision →
- Full procedure 2026/2703
Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.
This resolution expresses grave concern over China's new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, warning it risks legitimising forced assimilation and violates China's constitution and international obligations.¶¶ It calls on China to repeal or amend the law, condemns forced Sinicisation and forced labour, denounces imprisonment of minority advocates, and rejects transnational repression.¶¶¶ It asks the EU and member states to raise these issues in the next EU-China Human Rights Dialogue.¶
Key points
- Expresses grave concern that the new law risks legitimising forced assimilation policies under the pretext of national unity and security.¶
- Warns that provisions in the law depart from China's constitution and violate its international obligations.¶
- Calls on Chinese authorities to repeal or substantially amend the law, considering UN Special Rapporteurs' recommendations and ensuring compliance with international human rights standards.¶
- Condemns forced Sinicisation, including restrictions on 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 ILO Conventions No. 29 and 105.¶
- Expresses serious concern over provisions enabling transnational repression and rejects attempts 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 is not foreign interference.¶
Who is affected
- Ethnic minorities in China, including Tibetans, Uyghurs and Mongols, whose linguistic, cultural and religious rights are at risk.¶
- Diaspora communities, researchers, journalists and activists abroad, who may face transnational repression.¶¶
- Individuals and organisations within the EU, who should not be intimidated or silenced.
Figures and deadlines
- Law adopted on 12 March 2026.¶