China enacts ethnic unity law to promote shared national identity

The cabinet announced on Tuesday that the newly enacted National Cohesion Act is intended to “forge a shared national identity” by standardising the teaching of civic values, official symbols and historical narratives in schools and public institutions. The legislation, which passed the lower house with a majority of 112 votes to 45 and was subsequently approved by the Senate, mandates the inclusion of a unified curriculum on national heritage, the display of the state flag in all government buildings, and the observance of a newly designated Unity Day each year.

Proponents of the law argue that the measures will promote social integration and reduce regional disparities, citing statements from the Minister of Education that the curriculum will be “inclusive, historically accurate and reflective of the country’s diverse cultural fabric.” The act also establishes a supervisory board to oversee implementation and provides funding for the production of educational materials. While opposition parties have raised concerns about potential constraints on regional autonomy and the risk of politicising history, the government maintains that the framework respects existing local customs and will be rolled out in the upcoming academic year, with the first Unity Day celebration scheduled for next March.