Taiwan’s President William Lai has issued a stern condemnation of China’s new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, emphasizing Taiwan’s firm stance against what he calls “red terror” and any efforts by Beijing to extend its influence over the island. In a meeting with the Democratic Progressive Party’s Central Executive Committee, Lai expressed concerns about the expansion of China’s authoritarian policies, which he believes could pose threats beyond its own borders. He affirmed Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing measures that protect its citizens and national interests amid growing political pressure from China.
The controversial law, enacted by China’s National People’s Congress in March and now in effect, mandates Chinese citizens to support national unification. It also allows authorities to hold individuals or organizations legally responsible for any actions deemed harmful to ethnic unity or supportive of ethnic division, though the specifics of these offenses remain undefined. Critics in Taiwan fear that the law is intended to promote the idea of a shared Chinese national identity that includes Taiwanese people.
Lai cautioned that the legislation might be used to justify cross-border enforcement actions, increasing pressure on individuals and organizations outside mainland China. He highlighted over 110 instances where Beijing has already exerted such cross-border pressure on Taiwan, warning that similar tactics could escalate. Lai also indicated that foreign governments, businesses, lawmakers, civil society groups, and private individuals might face arbitrary consequences under the broad terms of the law.
In response to these challenges, the Taiwanese government is planning to bolster its monitoring systems, improve early warning mechanisms, and review additional policies to protect its citizens from external interference. Lai announced initiatives to expand media literacy programs, enhance civil servant training, and establish more robust prevention and response systems to counter what he described as Beijing’s intensifying campaign of cross-border repression. Taiwan also intends to collaborate with democratic partners to raise international awareness of human rights issues and defend its sovereignty.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has echoed the president’s concerns, labeling the legislation as another attempt by Beijing to exert its legal authority beyond its borders, conflicting with international norms and human rights principles. The ministry warned that the vague wording of the law might lead to self-censorship and uncertainty among those who fear possible retaliation. The legislation has faced criticism from several international entities, including the United States, Japan, the European Union, the United Nations, and Amnesty International, all of which have expressed concerns over its implications for human rights, legal certainty, and freedom of expression.