Panel Discussion Condemns China's Ethnic Unity Law
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) organized a panel discussion on June 28, 2026, in Dharamshala, India, to condemn China's new ethnic unity law. According to the CTA, the legislation provides a legal framework that institutionalizes the assimilation of Tibetans and other ethnic minorities. The event, hosted by the CTA's Tibetan Policy Institute, brought together political leaders, academics, and strategic experts to examine the law's implications.
CTA President's Remarks on Legalized Assimilation
CTA President (Sikyong) Penpa Tsering argued that while the law uses terms such as 'unity' and 'harmony,' it effectively formalizes decades of policies targeting Tibetan language, religion, culture, and identity. Tsering stated that the measures are not new but provide legal backing to existing policies implemented through education reforms, religious controls, surveillance, and administrative directives. He alleged that Beijing is giving long-standing assimilation policies a legal foundation, making them more difficult to challenge domestically and internationally.
Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Rejects Legislation
The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile unanimously adopted a resolution rejecting the legislation, describing it as incompatible with international human rights standards and provisions of China's Constitution and regional ethnic autonomy laws. Tsering said the legislation extends beyond Tibet and could affect Uyghur and Mongolian communities by promoting a single state-defined national identity over distinct ethnic identities. He further claimed the law may be used to suppress criticism of China's policies by portraying dissent as opposition to the rule of law, as highlighted by the CTA.
Expert Concerns on Ethnic Representation
Other speakers echoed similar concerns. China analyst Jayadeva Ranade argued that ethnic minority representation has declined under President Xi Jinping. Researcher Dr. Tenzin Desal said Beijing's governance model has failed to create a genuine sense of belonging among Tibetans despite extensive development projects. Concluding the event, the CTA reaffirmed its support for the Dalai Lama's Middle Way Approach, which seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet within China rather than independence, as reported by the CTA.
