Taiwan Legislature Advances Motion Condemning China Ethnic Unity Law

The Legislature of Taiwan advanced a motion condemning the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, a Chinese statute that took effect on July 1. The motion, introduced by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, characterizes the law as a tool for the Government of China to project authority beyond its borders and facilitate transnational repression.

The legislative process progressed after the opposition Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party agreed to move the proposal to a second reading and enter interparty negotiations. The contested Chinese law criminalizes activities that undermine ethnic unity or promote ethnic division, applying to both individuals and organizations operating inside and outside China.

In response to this legal framework, the Taiwanese motion urges the government to establish safeguards for citizens traveling to China or participating in international exchanges. Proposed measures include amending domestic legislation, creating penalties for those who assist in the unlawful enforcement of the Chinese law, and upgrading travel risk-warning systems.