Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Sunday warned that recent Chinese legislation may lead to repression of ethnic minorities and expand ideological control beyond the country’s borders.

The new legislation prioritizes Mandarin Chinese dominance. Article 15(3) of the law requires that minority language documents be accompanied by Mandarin versions, with clear indication that “national common language” be given “prominence.” Further, the law introduces mandatory ideological education requirements across all sectors of the population. Article 12 empowers state authorities to organize education, ensuring “correct views” of state, history, and religion. Article 20(2) creates legal obligations for parents to educate minors to “love the Chinese Communist Party.”

Maya Wang, associate Asia director

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