China Says It Can Target People Abroad Under New Unity Law

China announced that its newest law on ethnic unity lets it act against people outside the country who break the rules. The bill, passed in March, aims to build a common identity among 55 minority groups, including Tibetans and Uyghurs. Some of these groups have protested against Chinese rule, sometimes violently. The law starts on July 1 and allows China to hold foreign individuals or groups legally accountable for actions that threaten “ethnic unity” or encourage separatism. The move has raised concerns in Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory. Critics say the law could give Beijing a legal tool to target Taiwanese who it labels separatists. Human‑rights advocates also point out that China has used Interpol notices to pressure foreign governments into arresting people it considers political offenders.

During a press briefing in Beijing, Vice Justice Minister Hu Weilie dismissed negative reports from some Western media. He said the overseas clause follows China’s legal tradition, fits international norms, and is necessary to protect national security. Hu argued that many countries have similar powers to curb separatist activity through domestic law. He added that the provision focuses on unlawful acts and will use rule‑of‑law methods to prevent ethnic unrest from outside China. The minister claimed the law would not disturb normal people‑to‑people contact, academic exchanges, or trade cooperation. While the government presents the bill as a defensive measure for its sovereignty and minority rights, observers warn that it could be used to silence dissent abroad. The law’s impact on international relations and individual freedoms remains a point of debate.

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