China Is Telling Us What Comes Next
Commentary Democracies have a bad habit of ignoring warning signs. We convince ourselves that provocative language is intended for domestic audiences, that aggressive laws are largely symbolic, and that economic interdependence will ultimately moderate authoritarian regimes. History tells us that when powerful states begin constructing legal and political justifications for actions beyond their borders, we […]
Democracies often dismiss warning signs from authoritarian states, believing provocative language or laws are symbolic and economic ties will moderate behavior. However, China’s new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, effective July 1, introduces Article 63, which allows for legal responsibility of organizations and individuals outside China for actions Beijing deems detrimental to ethnic unity or that create division. This assertion of legal interest in conduct beyond its borders represents a significant claim that democracies should carefully consider.
- Democracies tend to overlook warning signs from authoritarian regimes.
- Provocative language, aggressive laws, and economic interdependence are often misinterpreted as domestic or moderating factors.
- History suggests that powerful states justifying actions beyond their borders should be taken seriously.
- China’s new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress came into force on July 1.
- Article 63 of this law allows for legal responsibility of external organizations and individuals for actions perceived by Beijing to undermine ethnic unity or create division.
- This represents Beijing asserting a legal interest in conduct outside of China.
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