Beijing, China – China rejected criticism from the United States and the European Union regarding its new law on promoting unity and progress among ethnic groups.
It asserted that these positions constitute interference in its internal affairs and a distortion of its ethnic policies.
China also called on both sides to cease what it described as the politicization of the issue.
Beijing rejects Western accusations
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the United States
and the European Union had adopted a biased stance by criticizing the law that took effect on Wednesday.
He added that both sides had deliberately spread disinformation
and distorted China’s ethnic minority policies, thereby undermining national unity.
He emphasized that China firmly opposes any external interference in its internal affairs.
He also called on the countries concerned to stop exaggerating what he termed the ethnic minority issue.
Defending the new law
The spokesperson explained that China is a multi-ethnic state based on the principle of equality among all ethnic groups.
He noted that strengthening the rule of law contributes to protecting the legitimate rights
and interests of all ethnic groups and enhances national cohesion and unity.
He added that the Chinese government pays close attention to protecting minority cultures
and provides legal guarantees that ensure all ethnic groups can use and develop their spoken and written languages.
He emphasized that his country’s achievements in this area have been widely praised by the international community.
Accusations of politicizing the issue
Guo accused some Western countries of acting out of ideological and political motives,
arguing that they are ignoring what he described as China’s progress in economic
and social development and human rights protection.
He indicated that these countries are taking Chinese policies out of context
and presenting a distorted picture of the situation of ethnic minorities.
This, he asserted, aims to interfere in China’s internal affairs and undermine its national unity.
He also affirmed Beijing’s commitment to its policies and its rejection of any external pressure or criticism on this issue.
