China Pushes Ethnic Unity Law as Mandarin Becomes Dominant Language in Minority Regions

China’s legislature has approved a controversial new law aimed at promoting ethnic unity, with a key provision prioritising the use of Mandarin in education, governance, and public life across the country’s ethnic minority regions.

The legislation, passed by China’s National People’s Congress (NPC), seeks to strengthen what the government calls a shared national identity among the country’s 56 officially recognised ethnic groups. Mandarin will now serve as the primary language in schools and official communication, even in areas traditionally dominated by minority languages such as Tibetan, Uyghur, and Mongolian.

Under the new framework, Mandarin must take precedence in public signage, education, and government business when used alongside local minority languages. Authorities say the policy is designed to promote social integration, improve communication across regions, and support national development.

Chinese officials insist the law still protects ethnic cultures and religious traditions, stating that it aims to encourage interaction and unity among different ethnic communities while maintaining social stability and border security.

However, critics and human rights groups argue the law could weaken the cultural and linguistic rights of minority groups. Analysts say the move reflects Beijing’s broader push for “Sinicisation,” a policy aimed at integrating ethnic minorities more closely into the dominant Han Chinese culture.

Experts warn that the policy may accelerate the decline of minority languages and traditions, especially in regions such as Xinjiang, Tibet, and Inner Mongolia where authorities have already expanded Mandarin-language schooling in recent years.

China’s government maintains that the law is intended to promote national unity and long-term stability, but debate continues over whether it strengthens cohesion or undermines the cultural autonomy of minority communities.