Japanese Lawmakers Protest China's Ethnic Unity Law, Furukawa Says 'Unacceptable in Democracies'

(CNA Tokyo, June 30) -- China's "Law on the Promotion of National Unity and Progress of the People," set to take effect on July 1, has drawn strong backlash from a cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers. Four parliamentary groups, including the "Parliamentary League to Investigate and Take Action on Human Rights Abuses by China," issued a joint statement today, criticizing the new law for potentially accelerating the suppression of minority ethnic groups' languages, cultures, religions, and education, and demanding China withdraw the legislation.

According to the Sankei Shimbun, the groups issuing the statement include the cross-party "Parliamentary League to Investigate and Take Action on Human Rights Abuses by China," the "Parliamentary League of Japan for the Uyghur," the "Parliamentary League of Japan for Tibet," and the "Parliamentary League to Support Southern Mongolia," composed of members of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

The new law stipulates that any speech or action deemed to violate the unity of the "Chinese nation" could make not only individuals within China but also overseas groups and individuals subject to punishment. The parliamentary leagues believe this law could further suppress the culture, language, and religion of ethnic minorities, expressing strong concerns.

Keiji Furuya, chairman of the Parliamentary League of Japan for the Uyghur and an LDP House of Representatives member, stated, "Such a law is absolutely unacceptable in democratic countries, and as a parliamentary league, we must continue to raise our voices in protest."

Mariko Shiotani, a member of the LDP House of Councillors who also chairs the Parliamentary League of Japan for Tibet and the Parliamentary League to Support Southern Mongolia, said that under the guise of a "common consciousness of the Chinese nation," the beautiful languages, cultures, and religions nurtured by various ethnic groups over long periods may face even more severe oppression.

She emphasized, "This is not interference in China's internal affairs. Cherishing the dignity and history of all ethnic groups is a universal value, and the international community needs to pay attention to and face this issue together."

Hiroshi Yamada, secretary-general of the Parliamentary League to Support Southern Mongolia and an LDP House of Councillors member, pointed out that there have been cases where individuals, after naturalizing and obtaining Japanese citizenship, have been severely harassed by Chinese police for participating in activities criticizing the Chinese Communist Party.

He criticized, "This law may cause Chinese individuals residing in Japan to be even more afraid to express their opinions freely due to concerns about retaliation. Even natural actions like preserving one's own ethnic culture could be restricted. This is a law that thoroughly suppresses freedom of thought, belief, and speech." (Editor: Chen Cheng-kung) 1150630)

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