On March 12, 2026, a new chapter in the history of national policy was opened in China when the law "On Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress" was adopted at the final session of the 4th session of the National People's Congress. Signed by Chairman Xi Jinping, this document will serve as a cornerstone for all 56 ethnic groups in the country for decades to come.
As reported by the state agency "Xinhua," the new law will come into effect on July 1, 2026. The main goal of this legal act is to transform the concept of a "unified Chinese nation" from a mere slogan into a clear legal norm.
Support for Ethnic Minorities
The law introduces the principle of "common prosperity," which implies increased government assistance for representatives of small ethnic groups in key areas:
Economic Development: According to the law, local authorities are required to increase investments in infrastructure and industry in autonomous regions, which should help bridge the gap in living standards between developed coastal regions and remote ethnic territories.
Access to the Labor Market: The document ensures equal opportunities for representatives of small ethnic groups across the country. This effectively eliminates hidden barriers in the labor market, opening pathways to career opportunities in major cities of China.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage: An important aspect of the law is dedicated to protecting cultural identity. The state commits to digitizing and preserving the languages, literature, and traditions of small ethnic groups to make them part of China's overall cultural heritage.
Education as the Key to Integration
In the educational sphere, the law is aimed at creating equal conditions for youth from all regions.
The main tool for achieving this goal will be proficiency in the state language (Putonghua). According to the law, the implementation of unified educational standards and programs in Chinese is aimed at giving graduates from ethnic villages the same chances of success as their peers from major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Proficiency in the common language will allow youth to enroll in the leading universities of the country without hindrance.
Furthermore, the law emphasizes the importance of harmonious coexistence. Knowledge of the state language should not replace native culture but rather complement it, helping peoples better understand each other and strengthen friendly relations within "one big family."
Thus, the new law adopted in 2026 enshrines a model in which the ethnic diversity of China is united by common legal guarantees and a commitment to economic progress.
