TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A bipartisan group of 14 US lawmakers has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to publicly condemn China's new ethnic unity law, saying it codifies the forced assimilation of ethnic minority groups.
Ahead of the law taking effect, Representatives Jim McGovern, Ro Khanna, Chris Smith, and 11 other members of Congress sent a joint letter to Rubio on Monday, per SET News. The lawmakers said the measure legitimizes Beijing’s assimilation campaign against Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, and other non-Han communities.
The lawmakers urged the State Department to publicly reject the law and raise objections directly with Chinese officials. They also called for coordination with allies to challenge the measure in bilateral talks and international forums, including the UN Human Rights Council.
The letter urged Washington to protect Tibetan, Uyghur, Mongolian, and other minority languages, religions, and cultures through US policy, SET News reported. It also called for stronger enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and closer cooperation with allies to counter what lawmakers described as China’s transnational repression.
China's Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress was passed by the country's top legislature in March and took effect Wednesday, per Tai Sounds. The law comprises 65 articles across seven chapters covering education, language, publishing, the internet, business activities, religion, and matters involving Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities.
Article 63 has drawn particular international concern because it extends legal liability beyond China's borders, Tai Sounds reported. It says overseas organizations and individuals that undermine "national unity and progress" or create ethnic division may be prosecuted under Chinese law.
