Minority groups based in Japan held a press conference to protest China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress [1].

The protest highlights growing international alarm over the perceived erasure of non-Han ethnic identities, languages, and religions within the People's Republic of China.

The law was passed by the National People’s Congress on June 12, 2024 [3], and took effect on July 1, 2024 [1]. It covers 55 minority groups [4]. The joint statement issued by the Japan Uyghur Association, Tibet House Japan, and the South Mongolia Kiriltai describes the legislation as a tool for cultural destruction.

President Ahmet of the Japan Uyghur Association said the law is not for unity or progress, but is instead intended to exclude and eliminate the identities, languages, cultures, and religions of non-Han ethnic groups [2].

Aria, a representative of Tibet House Japan, said the law was created to justify the destruction and eradication of the identities, cultures, and languages of all ethnic minorities [2].

In contrast, the Chinese government said the law is intended to strengthen the community consciousness of the Chinese nation [1]. Beijing said the protests are interference in its internal affairs [1].

Reports on the law's scope vary. Some sources state the legislation includes provisions to hold foreign organizations and individuals legally responsible [1], while other reports focus on penalties for actions deemed to damage ethnic unity without specifying foreign-person provisions [2].

“This law is not for 'unity' or 'progress,' but to exclude and eliminate the identities, languages, cultures, and religions of non-Han ethnic groups.”

The clash between Beijing's definition of 'national unity' and the minority groups' experience of 'cultural erasure' underscores a deepening rift in how human rights and ethnic autonomy are interpreted. By enacting laws that potentially extend legal responsibility to foreign entities, China may be attempting to curb international advocacy and activism conducted by diaspora communities in countries like Japan.