China's new 'ethnic unity' law raises legal risk concerns in Taiwan

Taipei, June 24 (CNA) Taiwanese scholars and civic groups have raised concerns that extraterritorial provisions in China's new "ethnic unity" law, set to take effect on July 1, could expose Taiwanese people to legal and political risks.

Adopted by China's top legislature on March 12, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law aims to "forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation," including by fostering among Taiwanese a stronger sense of belonging to the Chinese nation and identity as Chinese.

Article 63 of the law also states that organizations and individuals outside China who engage in acts against China that "undermine ethnic unity and progress or promote ethnic separatism shall be held legally liable in accordance with the law."

Hung Pu-chao (洪浦釗), deputy head of Tunghai University's Center for Mainland China and Regional Development Research, speculated Tuesday that the law could lead to entry bans, sanctions, public naming and shaming and business pressure on Taiwanese people.

Those who frequently travel across the Taiwan Strait, or who have jobs, investments or family ties in China, could be among the first affected, he said, adding that scholars, journalists, civic groups and public commentators could also face greater political risks.

Shen Yu-chung (沈有忠), deputy head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, said in March after the law was adopted that while the legislation appeared to target ethnic minorities in China, its extraterritorial provisions and references to promoting ethnic unity and national unification could allow it to spill over into cross-strait affairs.

An anonymous national security official told CNA on Tuesday that, in China's political context, issues involving Taiwan's sovereignty and human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet could all be deemed acts that "undermine ethnic unity."

The official added that Taiwanese scholars arguing Taiwan is not part of China, foreign media reporting on human rights in Xinjiang, or foreign politicians publicly supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations could all be unilaterally deemed illegal by Beijing.

Taiwan Alliance, a coalition of pro-Taiwan civic groups, said Tuesday it expressed "strong condemnation and deep concern" over the law, describing it as "a tool for transnational repression."