New legislation will require schools to use Mandarin by default, taking priority over minority ethnic languages such as Tibetan, Uyghur and Mongolian
  • China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) is expected to approve a new “ethnic unity” law during its annual legislative session.
  • The law aims to strengthen a shared national identity among China’s ethnic groups under the concept of a unified Chinese nation.
  • It prioritizes Mandarin Chinese in education and public life, reducing the role of minority languages such as Tibetan, Uyghur, and Mongolian.
  • Authorities frame the law as promoting “ethnic unity and progress” and national cohesion.
  • Critics (including rights groups) say it institutionalizes assimilation policies and increases political control over minority groups.
  • The law is tied to Xi Jinping’s “Sinicisation” policy, which encourages minorities to integrate into Han Chinese culture.
  • Some analysts say it formalizes policies already implemented in regions like Xinjiang, Tibet, and Inner Mongolia.
  • Provisions also encourage integration measures in areas such as education, migration, housing, and interethnic relations.
  • The NPC session will also approve other major items including:
    • A new environmental code to unify environmental laws.
    • China’s 2026–2030 five-year economic plan and annual budget.
    • The parliament is widely seen as a rubber-stamp body that almost never rejects proposals put forward by the Communist Party leadership.
  • ms.lane@lemmy.worldEnglish
    21·
    2 days ago

    In the “People’s” republic of China, you’re only allowed rights if you’re Han.