TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National security officials warned Wednesday that Beijing's new ethnic unity law could expose eight categories of people to detention or sanctions for activities outside China.
Officials said the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress took effect Wednesday, extending its reach to Chinese citizens, people from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, overseas Chinese, and foreign nationals, per Liberty Times. They said Article 63 authorizes legal liability for conduct outside the country.
The high-risk groups include:
- Overseas ethnic minorities
- Overseas Chinese and dissidents
- Foreign lawmakers
- Journalists and researchers
- Taiwan officials and citizens
- Religious groups and followers
- Multinational companies
- Online content creators
Officials warned that those entering or transiting China or countries closely aligned with Beijing could face detention or accusations such as sowing “ethnic division.”
The highest-risk groups include overseas Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Mongolians, who could face international arrest warrants, extradition requests, or reprisals against relatives in China, according to Liberty Times. Overseas Chinese and dissidents critical of China's government, democratic system, or human rights record could also face surveillance, harassment, or other forms of transnational repression.
Foreign lawmakers and political figures who criticize Beijing could face online smear campaigns, sanctions, or visa denials. Journalists, scholars, and think tank researchers covering human rights, military expansion, or cross-strait issues could also face border questioning or censorship.
Taiwan officials and ordinary citizens could face unexpected detention or separatism charges when traveling, according to Liberty Times. They also warned that religious groups targeted by Beijing, including Taiwan’s I-Kuan Tao, which is classified as a “heterodox organization,” face transnational repression involving overseas members and leaders.
Multinational companies that promote non-red supply chains, comply with export controls, or conduct due diligence on forced labor could become targets of sanctions. Online platforms could be ordered to remove content deemed contrary to national interests or ethnic unity, while creators could face account restrictions or coordinated online harassment.
Officials also noted that the Ministry of State Security expanded its powers in 2023 to inspect travelers’ phones, computers, and social media accounts, according to the report. They warned that anyone found to have shared content deemed illegal or communicated with dissidents could be detained and barred from leaving China.
