China's 'Ethnic Unity' Law Draws Global Criticism, WUC Warns of Minority Repression

• China's new "Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress" draws sharp criticism from the World Uyghur Congress (WUC).
• WUC warns the legislation could deepen repression and assimilation against ethnic minorities like Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Southern Mongolians.
• The law formally embeds assimilation policies, linking ethnic unity to national security and granting broad powers to penalize individuals.
• Critics fear the broadly defined language could criminalize cultural expression, religious activities, or criticism of government policies.
• Legislation promotes cross-regional population transfers, inter-ethnic marriages (especially with Han Chinese), and prioritizes Mandarin, eroding minority languages.