China ethnic unity law criticised by Penpa Tsering over Mandarin policy and Tibetan identity

Penpa Tsering, Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration, criticised China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, alleging it prioritises Mandarin and weakens Tibetan identity. He said Tibetans in India will hold protests later this month in Delhi and other locations. The law was adopted on March 12 and is due to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Penpa Tsering, Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration, said a new Chinese ethnic law aimed to expand Mandarin use and weaken Tibetan identity. Tsering alleged the measure targeted Tibetan language, religion, and daily life. Tsering also said Tibetans in India planned protests in Delhi and other places later in June.

The Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law was adopted by China’s Parliament on March 12. The law is described as a basic law on ethnic affairs in China. It is set to be implemented on July 1, 2026. Tsering said the legislation would shape policies affecting Tibetans under Chinese rule.

Ethnic Unity and Progress law protests planned in India

At an event in Delhi, Tsering said a protest programme was scheduled for June 26. "On 26th of this month, we will be having an event here in Delhi to protest the latest Chinese law -- Ethnic Unity and Progress law. Communists always have very nice name for programmes that have very adverse impact on people. The whole idea is to how to ensure that the Tibetan identity is destroyed,\" Tsering said.

Tsering added that more demonstrations were being prepared around the country. \"July 1 is the date of implementation of this Ethnic Unity and Progress law, so we will be organising protests in many parts of the country,\" Tsering said. Tsering said most gatherings would be in Delhi. \"I will be speaking about it, we need to educate more,\" Tsering said.

Ethnic Unity and Progress law and claims about Tibetan identity

Later, while speaking with reporters, Tsering alleged the policy sought to remove recognised nationalities. Tsering alleged authorities aimed to teach only Mandarin, reshape Buddhism, and reduce numbers. \"They want a country that speaks only Mandarin language, and practises only what the Communist party wants them to practise. There is no freedom for anybody, unfortunately,\" Tsering charged.

Tsering said pressure on Tibet had increased for several years. Tsering alleged restrictions involved boarding schools and monasteries. Tsering alleged these steps amounted to cultural harm. \"That is what they are doing, particularly with the ethnic unity law passed in March. And, the process has already been there for the last four-five years, restrictions on boarding schools, monasteries, etc., the idea is the level of a cultural genocide,\" Tsering alleged.

Tsering argued the law could lead to the levelling of language and culture. \"Homogenisation and diversity, of course, are on opposite ends. Diversity adds to richness of that culture. But, if you try to homogenise, then you are trying to kill all other identities, destroying all other cultures,\" Tsering said.

Tsering said the impact would reach daily customs through religion and language. \"As simple as that, it is to destroy the Tibetan identity, in terms of language, in terms of religion. Of course, religion dictates your way of life, so your way of life is also destroyed through that. So, the whole idea is to how to turn Tibetans into Chinese. And, if this goes for another two-three decades, it is going to be very detrimental,\" Tsering claimed.

Ethnic Unity and Progress law and surveillance concerns

Tsering also criticised Chinese policies on Tibet and rejected claims about choosing the next Dalai Lama. Tsering alleged Tibetans faced intense monitoring and control. Tsering compared the situation to George Orwell’s \"1984\". Tsering also alleged technology support came from Silicon Valley companies.

China’s state-run Xinhua earlier reported the law aimed to promote ethnic unity and progress. Xinhua said it strengthened the legal base for national cohesion and common prosperity. The report referred to 56 ethnic groups. It also linked the measure to China’s goal of modernisation by 2035.

The Central Tibetan Administration operates from Dharmashala in Himachal Pradesh. The 14th Dalai Lama lives there as well. The Dalai Lama turned 90 last year. Tsering said planned protests would focus on informing people about the law, while opposing what Tsering described as risks to Tibetan language and identity.

Tsering said language loss could be lasting if fewer people used Tibetan. \"The whole policy is aimed at destroying the identity of Tibetans... Tibetan language, if no people use it, it becomes a dead language,\" Tsering said. The law is due to take effect on July 1, 2026, and Tsering said protests in India would continue around that timeline.

With inputs from PTI