China has the right to hold people outside its borders legally accountable under its new ethnic unity law, a senior official said on Wednesday, defending a provision that has drawn criticism ahead of the law’s implementation next week.
The law, passed in March and due to take effect on 1 July, includes a clause stating that individuals and groups outside China can be held legally responsible for undermining “ethnic unity and progress” or inciting ethnic separatism.
Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Vice Justice Minister Hu Weilie said criticism of the overseas provision was based on a misunderstanding of the law.
“This provision is based on China’s national conditions, conforms to legal principles, and is consistent with international practice. It is a legitimate, lawful, necessary and feasible legal provision,” Hu said.
He said countries around the world have the right to prevent separatist activities and maintain social order through domestic legislation.
Hu said the overseas provision targets illegal acts and uses legal measures to guard against unlawful activities involving ethnic affairs originating from outside China.
He added that enforcing the provision would help safeguard China’s sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as the lawful rights and interests of people of all ethnic groups.
Hu also said the law would not affect normal exchanges between China and other countries, including academic discussions, economic and trade cooperation, and people-to-people contacts.