China has submitted a draft law on promoting ethnic unity and progress to the 14th National People's Congress, reinforcing its commitment to high-quality development and common prosperity among its 56 ethnic groups. The legislation, deliberated on March 5, 2026, aims to strengthen institutional guarantees for interethnic cohesion and the rule of law in ethnic affairs governance.
Forging a Shared National Identity
Since 2012, the Communist Party of China has prioritized cultivating a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. President Xi Jinping emphasized during visits to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Xizang Autonomous Region in 2025 that ethnic unity remains critical to national rejuvenation. "People from all ethnic groups must stick together through thick and thin, sharing both prosperity and challenges," Xi stated during a 2023 CPC Central Committee session.
Economic Progress in Minority Regions
Recent data highlights tangible progress: Xinjiang's GDP grew 5.5% year-on-year in 2025, reaching 2.15 trillion yuan ($311 billion), with industrial output and fixed-asset investment exceeding national averages. Yunnan Province reported 782 million tourist visits last year, generating 1.27 trillion yuan in revenue and boosting employment in ethnic communities through rural revitalization initiatives.
The draft law aligns with China's strategy to ensure no ethnic group is left behind in modernization efforts, building on President Xi's vision of shared development outcomes. Legal experts note this marks a significant step in codifying policies that have reduced regional disparities since 2012.
