China: 'Ethnic unity' law sparks fears of forced integration

Critics see the law as allowing authorities in Beijing more room to frame ethnic groups' demands for cultural autonomy as a push towards "separatism." China's National People's Congress (NPC) last week approved by an overwhelming majority a law that had been submitted to the legislature three years ago: the Law Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress. There were 2,756 votes in favor of this "ethnic unity" law, three abstentions and three votes against.

Some 442 delegates from ethnic minority groups took part in the vote, accounting for around 14% of all members of parliament. Beijing claims the law will promote national unity, and eliminate the disadvantages faced by ethnic groups in social life.

China, a multi-ethnic state of 1.4 billion people, officially recognizes 56 ethnic groups. Fifty-five of them are classified as "minorities" because the largest group — the Han Chinese — makes up 92 % of the population, with just under 1.2 billion people.

Read more