Brussels: A hearing in the European Parliament has raised serious concerns over China’s proposed “Ethnic Unity Law,” with lawmakers and human rights organisations warning that the legislation could accelerate the forced assimilation of Tibetans, Uyghurs, and other ethnic minorities.
During the debate, members of the European Parliament and rights activists expressed apprehension that the law would further tighten Beijing’s control over minority communities by restricting cultural, linguistic, and religious freedoms. Critics argued that the proposed legislation promotes a policy of “Sinicisation,” aimed at integrating ethnic minorities into a single state-driven national identity.
Human rights experts stated that the law could undermine the use of native languages in schools and public life while increasing state influence over religious and cultural institutions. Concerns were also raised over reports of surveillance, political indoctrination, and restrictions on traditional practices in regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang.
Representatives from Tibetan and Uyghur advocacy groups urged European leaders to take a stronger stand against what they described as systematic repression by the Chinese government. Several speakers called for increased international monitoring and potential sanctions against officials linked to alleged human rights violations.
The European Parliament reportedly adopted a resolution criticising the proposed law and urging China to uphold international human rights standards and protect the cultural identity of minority communities.
China, however, defended its policies, stating that the legislation is intended to strengthen national unity, social harmony, and economic development. Beijing has repeatedly denied allegations of repression and maintains that its measures are necessary to combat extremism and maintain stability.
The issue is expected to further strain relations between China and the European Union, where concerns over human rights, surveillance practices, and minority rights have increasingly become major diplomatic flashpoints.