China’s Ethnic Unity Law and the Push for a Single Identity

China has formally codified its long-running campaign to reshape ethnic identity into law, marking a major step in President Xi Jinping’s push for a unified national consciousness.

The new “ethnic unity” legislation was passed by China’s national legislature on March 12, 2026, and will take effect on July 1, 2026. It makes promoting national unity a responsibility of all levels of society, including government agencies, businesses, schools, and families.

The law reflects Xi’s broader goal of strengthening a single Chinese identity centered on loyalty to the Communist Party. It spans education, housing, media, and public life. It requires Mandarin Chinese to be the primary language of instruction in schools and official communication, and directs authorities to guide citizens toward “correct views” on history, culture, and religion.

Parents are also instructed to raise children to “love the Communist Party,” while ethnic and religious objections to marriage are prohibited.

Although Beijing says the law protects China’s 56 officially recognized ethnic groups, critics argue it accelerates assimilation into Han cultural norms. The policy builds on earlier restrictions in regions such as Xinjiang and Tibet, where language and cultural autonomy have already been significantly reduced.

Scholars say the legislation formalizes years of policy shifts aimed at strengthening national cohesion, but at the cost of cultural and linguistic diversity. Human rights researchers also warn it expands the state’s authority to pursue individuals abroad deemed to threaten national unity, reflecting a broader trend of transnational repression.

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Hong Kong Targets Activist’s Family in National Security Case

A Hong Kong court has convicted Kwok Yin-sang, the father of overseas activist Anna Kwok, in a national security case that human rights groups say reflects an expanding strategy of pressuring dissidents through their families.

Kwok Yin-sang, 68, was found guilty of handling funds linked to his daughter, whom authorities have designated an “absconder” after she fled Hong Kong in 2020. Prosecutors argued the actions were illegal under national security rules. He faces up to seven years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for February 26.

Anna Kwok became a prominent pro-democracy figure during and after the 2019 protests. She helped organize crowdfunding campaigns that financed newspaper ads critical of the Hong Kong government. After leaving Hong Kong in 2020, she took on a leadership role as director of the Hong Kong Democracy Council, a Washington-based advocacy group.

Her activism continued to draw attention from authorities. She publicly urged the U.S. government to block Hong Kong leader John Lee from attending the 2023 APEC summit in San Francisco, and she traveled to the event to protest the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping—actions that further elevated her profile in exile.

The case against her father centers on a life insurance policy purchased for her when she was a child. Authorities say it became her property when she reached adulthood, while her lawyers dispute that interpretation. Since his release on bail in May, Kwok Yin-sang has been barred from contacting his daughter.

Anna Kwok said she has had no communication with her father since then and has relied on media images to understand his condition. She described the prosecution as an attempt to exert emotional pressure through family ties.

Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, condemned the ruling as a form of “collective punishment.” Analysts also note similar pressure on relatives of other overseas activists, including Frances Hui and Carmen Lau.

The case unfolds amid broader crackdowns on dissent, alongside high-profile prosecutions such as media tycoon Jimmy Lai, highlighting Hong Kong’s continued use of national security laws against pro-democracy figures.

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The Long Arm of Censorship Reaches New York

The cancellation of the IndieChina Film Festival in New York reveals an unsettling truth: censorship today is no longer confined by borders. What began as a small, independent gathering of filmmakers quickly became the target of pressure from thousands of miles away.

Organizer Zhu Rikun received a 5 a.m. call from his father in China — a call clearly influenced by authorities. Over the following days, directors, moderators, and even volunteers withdrew without explanation. Some quietly admitted they or their families had been warned by Chinese police. Others, including foreign citizens, faced pressure from employers connected to China.

The festival was modest in scale, yet the intimidation was sweeping. It shows a government willing to silence criticism wherever it appears, even in a Brooklyn theater with room for just a few dozen viewers.

Zhu ultimately canceled the event, not out of fear, but in hopes of shielding others from harassment. His empty screening room now symbolizes something far larger: the shrinking space for creative freedom, no matter where it tries to exist.

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When Art Becomes a Target

A new exhibition named “Constellation of Simplicity” in Bangkok was meant to explore how authoritarian governments cooperate across borders. Instead, it became an example of cross-border repression itself. The show’s curator, Sai — a Myanmar artist living in exile — found himself fleeing Thailand only two days after the opening. Museum directors warned him that Thai police were asking for his information, raising fears he might be deported back to Myanmar.

Pressure escalated quickly. Chinese authorities demanded that the museum erase the names and works of artists from Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang. While the exhibition remained open, the institution blacked out those artists’ names and removed symbolic flags, turning a space meant for free expression into a quietly censored one.

The censorship was selective: works criticizing Myanmar’s junta, Iran or Russia stayed untouched. Only pieces tied to China’s most sensitive regions were targeted — a reminder of Beijing’s growing influence in Southeast Asia.

For Sai, now in London, the experience underscores a shrinking global space for political art. Yet he says he has no regrets and hopes to bring the exhibition to places where it can be shown freely.

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China Imposes Mandatory AI Model Censorship

China is tightening control over artificial intelligence by requiring tech firms to undergo mandatory government censorship tests. According to insiders, companies such as ByteDance and Alibaba. AI must ensure their large language models reflect “socialist core values.”

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) is said to be testing how these models respond to politically sensitive questions, including those related to President Xi Jinping. Officials reportedly review training data and security processes on-site, with some companies needing multiple attempts to pass the evaluation.

China’s approach is seen as an effort to establish the world’s most stringent AI regulatory framework. While this ensures alignment with state ideology, it also forces AI startups to adapt quickly, often by building keyword filters and sanitizing datasets. For many developers, compliance has become as critical as innovation itself.

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Reflecting on 10 Years: The Umbrella Movement’s Legacy

Ten years ago, Hong Kong witnessed a remarkable chapter in its history—the Umbrella Movement. What began as a call for democratic reforms and universal suffrage swiftly grew into a powerful symbol of peaceful resistance. Thousands of citizens, armed only with umbrellas to shield against tear gas, united in a non-violent stand for their rights.

The spirit of the movement has left an indelible mark on the city. Though the physical barricades have long been dismantled, the ideals of democracy, freedom, and autonomy continue to inspire. The Movement’s legacy lives on through the resilience of Hong Kongers who strive for justice, despite facing increasing challenges and suppression.

As we commemorate this anniversary, we honor the courage and determination of those who stood on the front lines and reflect on the ongoing struggle for democracy. The Umbrella Movement reminds us that the fight for freedom is enduring, and the hope for a brighter, more democratic future remains alive in the hearts of many.

Here’s to remembering the past, acknowledging the present, and hoping for a future where the spirit of the Umbrella Movement thrives.

China Announces Gradual Increase in Retirement Age

China has approved a plan to raise its statutory retirement age for the first time since the 1950s, addressing the challenges of its aging population. Starting on January 1, 2025, the retirement age will increase gradually. Men, who could previously retire at 60, will see their age rise incrementally to 63 by 2040. For women in white-collar jobs, the retirement age will increase from 55 to 58. Women in blue-collar jobs, previously able to retire at 50, will now work until 55. Although necessary, the changes have been met with resistance from the public.

China Halts Foreign Adoptions After Decades of International Placements

China has officially ended most foreign adoptions, closing a significant chapter that spanned over three decades. During this time, tens of thousands of children were sent overseas for adoption, largely due to the country’s one-child policy, which led many families to abandon their babies. The Chinese government stated that this decision aligns with global trends, signaling a shift in the country’s approach to international adoption.

Chinese Exile Writer’s Daughter Targeted Online by Chinese Government

Living in the suburbs of Philadelphia, the prominent Chinese exile writer Deng Yuwen frequently criticizes China and its authoritarian leader, Xi Jinping. Recently, China’s response has been severe, launching aggressive and malicious attacks against his daughter online.

Research by Clemson University and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, reveals that a secret propaganda network, possibly linked to China’s security apparatus, has targeted Deng Yuwen and even his teenage daughter on popular social media platforms. These attacks involve posts filled with sexual innuendos and threats, posted by fake identities. They appear in replies to Deng’s posts on platform X and comments on public school accounts in his community, falsely accusing his 16-year-old daughter of drug use, arson, and prostitution.

“Blocking isn’t effective,” Deng Yuwen remarked in an interview about the relentless online assaults. “Today you block it, tomorrow it resurfaces under a new alias.”

Researchers note that crude comments targeting Deng’s daughter have also appeared on Facebook community pages, as well as platforms like TripAdvisor, local news site Patch, and school rating site Niche. This harassment fits a pattern of cyber intimidation that has raised alarms in Washington, Canada, and beyond, highlighting China’s increasingly brazen attacks abroad.

For Deng Yuwen and his family, these attacks represent an escalation. Despite federal laws prohibiting severe online harassment or threats, China’s actions continue unchecked, reflecting a growing concern over its global influence and tactics aimed at stifling dissent, even beyond its borders.

Verdict Against Chinese Activists Empowering #MeToo Voices

On Friday, a court in southern China sentenced prominent feminist journalist Huang Xueqin to five years in prison for inciting subversion of state power, marking Beijing’s latest crackdown on civil society. Labor activist Wang Jianbing received a three-year, six-month sentence on the same charge. Their activities leading to arrest and conviction included organizing discussions, supporting other activists, and receiving overseas training. Experts note the severity of these legal actions, even by Chinese standards, signaling a shrinking space for independent social discourse. Huang, once a vocal figure in China’s #MeToo movement and later a writer on Hong Kong protests, and Wang, an advocate for worker and disability rights, faced prolonged detention before a brief trial last September. Critics argue these cases reflect broader suppression of topics like women’s and workers’ rights under increasingly expansive interpretations of “threats to public order.”

Remembering Tiananmen Massacre: 35 Years On

As we mark the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, it’s a somber moment to reflect on a pivotal event in modern history. On June 4, 1989, peaceful protests in Beijing demanding democratic reforms met a tragic end as Chinese authorities cracked down with force, resulting in countless deaths and injuries.

The memory of those brave individuals standing for freedom and democracy resonates globally, reminding us of the enduring struggle for human rights. Despite efforts to suppress the truth, the spirit of Tiananmen lives on through the courage of those who continue to seek justice and accountability.

Hong Kong’s National Security Trial: A Turning Point in Democratic Dissent

In a landmark ruling on Thursday, a Hong Kong court sentenced dozens of prominent democracy activists and leaders to potential life imprisonment, marking a severe crackdown under Beijing’s imposed national security law. The charges stem from organizing primary elections to enhance their chances in city-wide elections, deemed by authorities as a conspiracy to subvert state power.

Among the convicted are figures like legal scholar Benny Tai and protest leader Joshua Wong, whose activism symbolized Hong Kong’s vibrant political landscape. The verdict underscores Beijing’s use of broad powers to suppress dissent, turning these activists into political prisoners, some of whom were lawmakers since Hong Kong’s handover to China in 1997.

Most of the defendants have spent at least the last three years in detention ahead of and during the 118-day trial. It highlight a fundamental shift in Hong Kong’s political environment, where even mild opposition activities are no longer tolerated. Critics argue that the government’s prosecution of nonviolent electoral preparations undermines the city’s once-celebrated judicial independence and freedom of elections.

As Hong Kong faces its most significant political challenge in decades, international observers view these trials as a litmus test for Hong Kong’s judicial independence and fear a chilling effect on free speech and dissent.

Remembering Yan Zhengxue: Art and Activism Against Suppression

Renowned mainland dissident artist Yan Zhengxue passed away early Tuesday morning in Beijing at the age of 80. Yan, a staunch advocate for vulnerable communities’ rights, faced forced labor, secret detention, and a three-year prison sentence in 2006 for “inciting subversion of state power.” His sculptures, including one of Lin Zhao, executed during the Cultural Revolution, were deemed too sensitive for public display, shrouded in curtains during exhibitions. Despite government suppression, Yan’s art persisted, urging remembrance of China’s tumultuous political history. His passing marks a solemn moment for free expression advocates, echoing the enduring resilience of artists under authoritarian regimes.

The Expansion of Surveillance in Chinese Communities

In a Beijing police station, walls are covered with papers, each representing a building in a large residential area. These papers list residents’ names, phone numbers, and other details, with color codes indicating their risk levels. Green means safe, yellow means to be watched, and orange signifies strict monitoring. A police officer marked a third-floor apartment in yellow, noting its high turnover and labeling it as “high risk” for follow-up.

This meticulous surveillance is a cornerstone of Xi Jinping’s grassroots governance strategy: more visible, invasive, and vigilant against real or perceived threats. Police officers immerse themselves in communities, understanding neighborhood disputes and recruiting retirees as extra eyes and ears. Employers are required to appoint “security advisors” to report regularly to the police.

Historically, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has implemented extensive surveillance on activists and dissenters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this surveillance expanded to track nearly every urban resident. Xi Jinping aims to make this control permanent, embedding the Party deeply into daily life to prevent any disruptions, no matter how minor or non-political.

This approach, known as the “New Era Fengqiao Experience,” revives a method from Mao’s era where citizens were mobilized to publicly shame and control class enemies. Xi frequently references Fengqiao to highlight the Party’s commitment to addressing people’s needs, despite suppressing free speech and dissent.

This strategy aims to strengthen Beijing’s ability to quash dissent amid growing economic challenges and social unrest, solidifying the Party’s control and extending its reach into every aspect of citizens’ lives.

Spotlight on Transnational Repression

Last Tuesday, the UK Foreign Office summoned the Chinese ambassador for a formal rebuke following the arrest of three men accused of aiding Hong Kong intelligence and raiding a residence.

The Foreign Office condemned China’s recent actions, including offering rewards for information on dissidents settled in the UK and elsewhere. While the trial is ongoing, these arrests have spotlighted “transnational repression,” where authoritarian regimes monitor, harass, or attack their citizens abroad.

Transnational repression isn’t new but is increasingly prevalent. Globalization and the internet facilitate activism among exiles while enabling authoritarian regimes to suppress diaspora political activities more effectively.

Today, it remains a favored tool. Chinese students abroad report a climate of fear due to government intimidation. Governments now see overseas dissidents as potent threats due to their ability to influence from afar. This has led authoritarian regimes to share suppression tactics and increase cooperation, putting more lives at risk.

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