The National People's Congress of China adopted the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress on March 12, 2026, which came into effect on July 1, 2026. This law aims to promote national unity and ethnic progress, strengthen the sense of belonging to the Chinese national community, and foster a shared destiny among different ethnic groups. The law consists of a preamble and seven chapters, covering general principles, building a common spiritual space, exchanges and integration between ethnic groups, common economic development, guarantees and supervision, legal responsibilities, and final provisions.
China is home to 56 ethnic groups, with the Han majority and 55 minority groups estimated to be around 125 million people, making up approximately 8.89% of the population. The law prohibits discriminatory acts and those that suppress or infringe on the rights of any ethnic group. It emphasizes the importance of promoting ethnic unity, common development, and a shared identity. The law also highlights the need to eradicate extreme poverty and develop infrastructure in regions with large minority populations.
Between 2020 and 2024, five autonomous regions, including Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Xizang, Guangxi, and Xinjiang, recorded an average annual GDP growth of 5.6%. The 420 impoverished counties in ethnic autonomous areas and 28 ethnic groups with small populations are among the over 800 million Chinese who have been lifted out of poverty. This progress demonstrates the effectiveness of China's ethnic policies, which prioritize common development and poverty alleviation.
The law empowers local governments, autonomous regions, municipalities, and certain collectives to adopt local regulations related to promoting ethnic unity and progress, tailored to their specific realities. These regulations cover not only economic and linguistic affairs but also education, communication, and security. The media, including television, radio, newspapers, and online platforms, are encouraged to contribute to promoting ethnic unity and showcasing achievements in building a national community.
A crucial aspect of the law is its association of ethnic unity promotion with the fight against ethnic separatism, religious extremism, and terrorism. Those who instigate, plan, organize, or finance prohibited activities can be held criminally responsible. These provisions aim to preserve national stability, unity, and security, formalizing experiences accumulated over several years in combating separatism and extremism.
The law's emphasis on promoting a shared national identity and common destiny resonates with many African countries, which face similar challenges in managing ethnic diversity. As China shares its experiences in promoting ethnic unity, African nations may draw inspiration from this approach. With its focus on common development, poverty alleviation, and cultural preservation, China's ethnic unity law offers a potential model for addressing ethnic tensions and promoting national cohesion.
As the international community takes note of China's efforts to promote ethnic unity, the effectiveness of this law in fostering a more harmonious and integrated society will be closely watched. With its comprehensive framework and emphasis on shared development and identity, China's Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress may offer valuable lessons for nations seeking to address ethnic diversity and promote national unity.
Key points
- China's ethnic unity law prioritizes common development and poverty alleviation.
- The law prohibits discriminatory acts and promotes a shared national identity.
- African nations may draw inspiration from China's approach to promoting ethnic unity.
