Condemning China's Ethnic Unity Law

Full Title:
A resolution condemning the People's Republic of China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, concerned with its implications on the rights and freedoms, as well as survival of the identity, of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, and other affected communities, and calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to end its abuses and campaigns of transnational repression that undermine United States sovereignty and threaten the safety and freedoms of people in the United States.

Summary#

This Senate resolution (S. Res. 791), introduced June 24, 2026, by Senators Rosen, Curtis, Merkley, and Banks and referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, condemns the People's Republic of China's "Ethnic Unity and Progress Law." The resolution says the law institutionalizes coercive assimilation, expands state control over religion and culture, restricts minority languages and education, and contains extraterritorial provisions that could reach people and groups outside China. It reaffirms past U.S. findings about abuses in Xinjiang, calls for China to repeal the law, and urges U.S. action including monitoring, coordination with allies, and consideration of targeted sanctions. The resolution also recognizes the Dalai Lama and affirms that decisions on his succession should be made by Tibetan Buddhist leaders and the Tibetan people.

What it means for you#

  • The resolution calls on U.S. officials to monitor and report on how the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law affects ethnic and religious minorities and to work with allies (for example, the EU, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the U.K.).
  • It asks the President to consider targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act against people or entities linked to human rights violations tied to the law.
  • The resolution highlights that the law includes clauses allowing Chinese authorities to assert legal responsibility for actions by people and organizations outside China, which the resolution says could include people in the United States.
  • It urges China to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without preconditions.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

  • The resolution states the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law institutionalizes coercive assimilation, cultural erasure, and ideological control over ethnic and religious minorities.
  • It reaffirms support for the rights and freedoms of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, Hui Muslims, Christians, and other affected communities.
  • It reaffirms the U.S. Department of State's 2021 determination regarding genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang.
  • It calls on China to repeal the law and urges U.S. diplomatic coordination with allies to monitor its effects.
  • It calls on the President to evaluate targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act against those responsible for abuses tied to the law.
  • It recognizes the Dalai Lama and affirms that decisions about his reincarnation or succession belong to Tibetan Buddhist leaders and the Tibetan people.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.