China codifies ethnic assimilation with new ‘unity’ law as it counters the West

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Xinlu LiangMarch 12, 2026 at 02:04 PM

AI Summary

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China's National People's Congress (NPC) has formally endorsed the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress. The law, passed with near-unanimous support, aims to create a legal framework for assimilating minority groups and countering Western ideological influence. The NPC also approved the Ecological and Environmental Code and the outline of the 15th five-year plan for national economic and social development (2026-2030). A resolution on the 2026 central and local budgets, which prioritizes spending on science, diplomacy, and defense, was also approved. These legislative actions occurred during the annual "two sessions" in Beijing.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Beijing 40% Li Hongzhong 50% West 60% National People's Congress (NPC) ×380% China ×290%

Keywords

ethnic unity 100% china 90% assimilation 80% law 70% national people's congress 60% minority groups 50% legislation 50% western ideological influence 40% economic development 40%