Germany Warns China Law Risks Transnational Repression

Germany’s Federal Foreign Office expressed “great concern” over China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, which took effect on July 1, 2026. During a June 29 government press conference, spokesperson Sebastian Hinterseher said Berlin sees the law as an expanded legal basis for China’s minority policy, including the planned Sinicization of religion. He warned that the law could further weaken minority-language education and freedom of religion. Germany also raised concern over provisions allowing prosecution of individuals and organizations outside China, saying they could enable transnational repression in Germany and Europe.