China to Enact New Ethnic Unity Law
China's new "Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress" law is set for passage on March 12, 2026, by the National People's Congress.
Lauren Collins ·
China is poised to implement a new legislative framework, the "Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress" law, following its expected passage on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The National People's Congress in Beijing is scheduled to approve the measure during its closing session. This legislation aims to cultivate a unified national identity across China's 55 recognized ethnic minority groups.
The core tenets of the new law emphasize the widespread adoption of Mandarin Chinese. It mandates Mandarin as the foundational language for educational instruction and official government operations. Public spaces where both Mandarin and minority languages are present will be required to prioritize Mandarin.