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Amidst the ongoing debates regarding Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, neighboring country China has taken a step which has created a stir at the international level. The government of Chinese President Xi Jinping has quietly implemented a controversial law like ‘Uniform Civil Code’ in the country, which is officially named ‘Ethnic Unity Law’. Ignoring strong criticism from human rights organizations and global opposition, Beijing has intensified its efforts to mold the country’s diversity through this law.
What is China’s new ‘Ethnic Unity’ law?
The main objective of this law, passed by the Chinese Parliament this year, is believed to be to merge the country’s 55 recognized minority communities into the ‘Han’ majority culture. The government argues that this law has been brought to strengthen social unity and prevent radicalization. Under this new rule, violent terrorist activities, religious fundamentalism and ethnic separatism have been categorized as serious crimes. About 12.5 crore minorities of China, which is about 8.9 percent of the total population, have now directly come under the purview of this law.
Attack on language: Mandarin mandatory, other dialects marginalized
The most controversial aspect of this law is regarding language in educational institutions. According to the new rules, now the main medium of instruction in all schools and educational institutions of China will be compulsorily ‘Mandarin’ language. Proficiency in Mandarin is now a mandatory requirement for students to complete the course. Although the law does not mention any specific minority language, experts believe that it will have a direct impact on the mother tongues of the Tibetan, Mongolian and Uyghur communities. For a long time, China has been accused of trying to erase the local culture in areas like Tibet and Inner Mongolia and convert it into Han culture.
Beijing stands firm despite global opposition
This step of China is being seen as a big attempt at cultural integration in the name of social unity. The government says that China is going through a major social change, so unity in the country is essential. However, international human rights groups have termed it cultural genocide. Critics say that this law is a means of eliminating diversity and erasing the identity of those minority groups who have been living with their distinct languages and traditions for centuries. This ‘game plan’ of Xi Jinping is now making China’s image more controversial on global diplomatic forums.
