CCP's Law on Ethnic Unity: Liang Wen-chieh Says Beijing Gains Another Legal Weapon

(CNA Taipei, July 1, 2024) Liang Wen-chieh, Vice Chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), stated at a seminar that Taiwanese individuals face the highest risks when traveling to mainland China, and the CCP's "Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress" provides Beijing with an additional legal weapon. He estimated that concrete cases will soon be presented to demonstrate the "seriousness" with which the law is being treated.

The seminar on "The Impact and Response to the CCP's Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress on Taiwan" was held this morning at the National Taiwan University Alumni Hall, organized by the Cross-Strait Elite Exchange Association. Liang Wen-chieh was invited to attend.

The CCP's "Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress" took effect today. Liang Wen-chieh stated at the meeting that the MAC issued a public warning about this law in March this year. He noted that the CCP has long used various laws to pressure and detain Taiwanese citizens, citing examples such as human rights activist Lee Ming-che and Bafang Culture Publishing's Editor-in-Chief Fu Cha (Li Yanhe). "Regardless of whether this law exists or not, the risk for Taiwanese people going to mainland China is always the highest."

Liang Wen-chieh pointed out that the law is filled with vague legal concepts that allow for subjective discretion. Terms such as "undermining ethnic unity" and "creating ethnic division" lack clear objective definitions within the entire law, making it another legal weapon for Beijing.

Liang Wen-chieh emphasized that this legislative approach is a consistent characteristic of the CCP's legal system. The purpose of using uncertain legal concepts is not to implement the rule of law, but to exert political threats and intimidation, forcing the public to self-censor due to a chilling effect. This is because ordinary citizens cannot determine what is safe and what is dangerous.

Bayin Cholu, a member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Chairman of the NPC's Nationalities Committee, stated recently when introducing the "Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress" that "the Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress specifically includes a preamble in its structure, making it the first law in over 30 years to have a preamble."

Liang Wen-chieh noted that the Constitution of the People's Republic of China also has a preamble, indicating that the "Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress" has been given a considerably high status. He estimated that concrete cases will be presented in the near future, as clear examples are necessary to show that the authorities are "serious." If the Fu Cha case had occurred after this law was implemented, it would have been an instance of its application.

Liang Wen-chieh mentioned that many countries have expressed concern about this law because the CCP is likely to use it to suppress support for issues related to Xinjiang and Tibet. Support for Taiwan maintaining its current status could also become a reason for suppression. This law is, in reality, a tool for authoritarian expansion and long-arm jurisdiction. Taiwan must increase its vigilance and resilience, and the public is urged to be aware of the risks of traveling to mainland China and to pay attention to safety when working or doing business there. (Editor: Chou Hui-ying) 1150701

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