EU expresses concern over China's new ethnic unity law targeting overseas people

The European Union expressed concern on Thursday about China's new ethnic unity law that went into effect this week and grants Beijing the legal basis to take action against people outside its borders.

The law specifically targets individuals who undermine ethnic unity or incite separatism beyond the PRC, sparking international diplomatic friction over its global reach.

This development matters as it establishes a precedent for nations to enforce domestic laws on foreign soil, potentially impacting international human rights and diplomatic relations.

European Union

The European Union stated on Thursday that China's newly effective ethnic unity law raises serious issues because it grants Beijing legal authority to act against individuals outside its national borders, potentially affecting people in EU member states.

Chinese Foreign Ministry

China's foreign ministry dismissed criticism from the US and EU as a malicious smear, arguing that the law strengthens legal order and includes a clause holding people abroad accountable if they undermine ethnic unity or incite separatism.

EU expresses concern over China's new ethnic unity law targeting overseas people | Implica