Responding to China's Ethnic Unity Law – July 1, 2026
Several countries are voicing concern over a new ethnic unity law coming into effect in China, with fears it could be used to target people beyond the country's borders including in Taiwan. A joint report presented to lawmakers in Taipei details China’s escalating maritime pressure and gray-zone tactics in waters around Taiwan. And Taiwan’s diplomatic allies celebrate the 30th anniversary of the country’s International Cooperation and Development Fund. Plus: - A new complaint system launches as part of Taiwan’s crackdown on workplace bullying but how effective will it be? - Commuters can now use domestic and international credit cards to pay fares on the Taipei Metro. -Taiwan’s public broadcasting network TBS marks its 20th anniversary with events celebrating public media.
China’s Ethnic Unity Law
REPORTER:
Several countries have voiced concern over Beijing’s new ethnic unity law, which has just gone into effect.
The law says anyone seen as undermining ethnic unity or progress can be held legally responsible – including people outside of China.
The chair of the US House Select Committee on China has called it a "ugly escalation of the Chinese Communist Party’s cruelty," arguing it will be used to harass critics beyond its borders. Groups of Japanese lawmakers also condemned the law on the grounds of human rights and freedom of speech. The European Parliament is urging member states to suspend extradition treaties with China to protect their citizens. Germany’s foreign ministry called the law a risk of transnational repression, while Australia’s government says it has raised the issue to Beijing directly.
