China's Law on Ethnic Unity: US State Dept. Vows to Defend Sovereignty Against Transnational Overreach

(Central News Agency, reporter Hou Ziying, Washington, July 1) China's "Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress" has taken effect, with several U.S. senators criticizing the legislation today for abusing power and attempting to undermine the sovereignty of other nations. In response to a question from a Central News Agency reporter, the U.S. State Department stated that the United States will defend its sovereignty and protect individuals within its borders from transnational overreach by foreign governments.

China implemented the "Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress" starting July 1, asserting that the cause of ethnic unity is led by the Communist Party of China and that overseas organizations and individuals can be held accountable.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, in an email response to reporters on background this evening, stated that this "problematic" law imposes broad obligations on individuals, institutions, and organizations (including those outside of China) to actively promote the CCP's "ethnic unity" agenda, or face retaliation from Chinese authorities.

The spokesperson added, "The United States will defend our sovereignty" and protect individuals within its borders from overreach by foreign governments and regimes that attempt to silence, intimidate, harass, harm, or coerce others.

Several U.S. senators had earlier issued statements expressing deep concern about the law's requirement for compliance with CCP ideology.

In their statements, the senators pointed out that this legislation grants Beijing "near-unlimited power" to prosecute those who speak out against Beijing's oppression, and to continue building a legal framework that legitimizes its transnational repression. "We will continue to push back against the CCP's attempts to undermine the sovereignty of other nations." (Editor: Chen Huiping) 1150702

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