China Approves Ethnic Unity and Progress Law

China's National People's Congress approved the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress on Thursday, a measure aimed at fostering a shared national identity among the country's 56 recognized ethnic groups, including the dominant Han majority and 55 minority populations such as Uyghurs, Tibetans and Mongols. The legislation, passed during the closing session of the annual parliamentary meeting in Beijing, emphasizes integration through education, language policy and social governance, while drawing criticism from rights advocates and Taiwanese officials for potentially advancing assimilation and extending legal pressures beyond China's borders.

The law mandates the use of Mandarin as the primary language of instruction in schools, as well as in government and official business. In public settings where both Mandarin and minority languages are used, the legislation requires Mandarin to take precedence in placement and order. It also states that the government respects and protects the learning and use of minority languages and scripts, though critics argue the provisions could marginalize non-Han cultures. Additional clauses promote intermarriage across ethnic groups by...