Author: Reuben F. Johnson

On March 12, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) legislature adopted the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress (民族团结进步促进法). The adoption of the law took place during the annual Lianghui, or (两会), meaning the “two sessions,” or the annual plenary meetings of China’s top legislative and political advisory bodies. These are the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

The law is an all-encompassing statute that now officially codifies how Beijing is authorised to impose state control over the PRC’s 56 officially recognised ethnic groups and nationalities. If there is an overall theme or intention behind the act, it is to force – via state-mandated conformity – these nationalities to assimilate and subjugate the traditions and practices of their daily lives to a more comprehensive set of policies that serve the nation’s interests over their own.

Supported by the Korea Foundation

Co-financed by the National Institute of Freedom – Center for Civil Society Development as part of the Government Programme for Civil Society Organisations Development for 2018-2030 CSODev
The publication reflects the views of the author only. NIW-CRSO is not responsible for the use that may be made of the information contained therein