Regarding the recent resolution adopted by the European Parliament concerning China’s law on promoting ethnic unity and progress, a spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the EU pointed out that it disregards facts and the rule of law, maliciously smears China’s laws and ethnic policies, and that solemn representations have been lodged with the EU side.

The formulation and implementation of the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law is an important step in advancing the modernization of China’s ethnic affairs governance system and capacity. Based on China’s national conditions and responding to the needs of the times, the law consolidates ethnic relations characterized by equality, unity, mutual support and harmony through the rule of law. Its significance deserves fuller understanding grounded in facts and legal principles.

Implementing the New Law to Strengthen Foundational Governance

The Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law focuses on the practical issues of greatest concern to the Chinese people. Through institutional arrangements, it protects lawful rights and interests and promotes the joint participation and shared development of all ethnic groups in political, economic, social and cultural fields.

It strengthens the institutional foundation for building the community of the Chinese nation and supports all ethnic groups in advancing side by side on the path toward modernization.

Implementing the New Law to Deepen Integration and Connectivity

Language is a bridge that connects minds. The promotion and widespread use of the standard spoken and written Chinese language is a common practice among countries worldwide to enhance social integration and achieve equal development. Relevant provisions in the Law reflect the implementation of this shared experience in the condition of China, aiming to overcome communication barriers, expand development opportunities, and support ethnic regions in integrating more fully into the country’s broader development agenda.

Meanwhile, China safeguards, in accordance with the law, the freedom of all ethnic groups to use and develop their own spoken and written languages, and supports the inheritance of outstanding ethnic cultures. Misrepresenting the promotion of the standard spoken and written Chinese language as “assimilation” neither conforms to facts nor aligns with common international understanding.

Implementing the New Law to Uphold Harmony and Integration

Countries differ in their historical and cultural backgrounds as well as national conditions, and therefore adopt diverse approaches to ethnic affairs governance. China’s relevant laws and policies are rooted in the Chinese cultural wisdom of “harmony” and “great unity,” seeking to enhance commonality while respecting differences and to promote inclusive development within a framework of diversity-integration.

This approach, oriented toward integration and coexistence and underpinned by the rule of law, is gaining increasing understanding and recognition from international observers. Relevant countries, organizations, and individuals are urged to uphold professionalism and conscience, stop baseless smears and interference, and view the governance practices and choices of other countries with equality and mutual respect.

China’s efforts to promote ethnic unity and common development through the rule of law stem from its own successful practice and are in line with the trend of the times.

Time will prove that prejudice and rumors cannot hinder the Chinese people of all ethnic groups from working together to build a better life, nor can they obscure China’s contribution of wisdom and solutions to ethnic affairs governance in the world.