Editor's note: Qiao Basheng, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a professor at the Institute of China's Borderland Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, and an adjunct professor at Northwest University of Political Science and Law. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

Recently, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress voted to adopt the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law. However, some Western media outlets have launched malicious interpretations of the law, distorting the meaning of provisions such as "the state protects citizens' freedom of marriage. No organization or individual may interfere with freedom of marriage on the grounds of ethnic identity, customs, or religious beliefs," and fabricating the lie that China "restricts the freedoms of ethnic minority citizens." This absurd narrative, entirely devoid of factual basis, is in essence a familiar tactic long used by anti-China forces in the West to interfere in China's internal affairs. In fact, this law transforms the major theoretical achievements of the Party's ethnic work in the new era into the will of the state, providing a solid legal guarantee for forging a strong sense of the Chinese national community, advancing the common prosperity and development of all ethnic groups, and safeguarding equal rights for all ethnic groups.

Safeguarding freedom of marriage: Breaking outdated conventions while protecting rights

Freedom of marriage is a fundamental right granted to every Chinese citizen by the Constitution and the Civil Code. By reaffirming this principle, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law aims precisely to protect individuals who are suppressed in the name of "tradition" or "religion," allowing young people to be free from the constraints of outdated customs.

In the past, interference with the freedom to marry persisted for long periods in some localities. As a result, some young men and women were unable to unite with the ones they loved. With the promulgation of the Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress, grassroots officials and mediators now have a clearer legal basis to stop all kinds of actions that interfere with freedom of marriage on grounds of ethnic identity, customs, or religious beliefs.

In Tacheng City, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the harmonious scene of multiple ethnic groups living together and blending has long become the most moving sight of this border town. A local resident, Xu Zhenling, shared: "I am Han, my son is Uygur, and my daughter-in-law is Mongolian. Our family includes six or seven ethnic groups. It is our mutual understanding, tolerance, and companionship that make life rich and meaningful." These vivid examples all demonstrate that the new law is by no means intended to restrict the freedom of marriage of people of all ethnic groups. Rather, it grants them the right to choose happiness independently, allowing marriage to return to love itself and letting unity take root in everyday life.

Respecting cultural differences enhances commonality, while embracing diversity

The Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law explicitly provides for safeguarding the learning and use of minority languages and scripts, supporting the inheritance and development of outstanding cultures of all ethnic groups, and encouraging all ethnic groups to achieve shared prosperity through interaction, exchange, and integration.

At Gengzhang Monba Ethnic Township Primary School in Nyingchi City, China's Xizang Autonomous Region, children study the national common spoken and written language in newly built school facilities, while also learning Tibetan calligraphy and the Monba language, together enjoying modern educational resources.

In Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, the Dai Water-Splashing Festival is not only a festival of the Dai people but also a grand event jointly celebrated by people of all ethnic groups. Han, Hani, and Blang communities join their Dai compatriots in splashing water to convey blessings and share a vibrant feast of ethnic culture.

In Horqin Right Wing Middle Banner of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Mongolian embroidery industry has created employment for tens of thousands of women from all ethnic groups. Embroiderers of different ethnics help and support one another and develop together, stitching not only exquisite patterns but also hopes for shared prosperity.

Promoting integrated development: Foster solidarity and share benefits

In recent years, the growth rates of key indicators, such as per capita GDP and per capita disposable income, in ethnic minority regions have been significant. Investment in infrastructure construction and the allocation of educational and medical resources to ethnic minority regions have continued to increase. With the support of national policies, vivid scenes of interaction, exchange, and integration among China’s ethnic groups are unfolding every day.

In Guizhou Province, the "Village BA" basketball tournament, which has gone viral nationwide, features athletes from the Miao, Dong, Han, and other ethnic groups competing on the same court, while spectators of all ethnicities cheer side by side without distinction.

In the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, "San Yue San" Festival (the third day of the third month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar) is not only an important festival for the Zhuang people; Han, Yao, Miao, and Dong communities also participate with great enthusiasm, jointly expressing their aspirations for a better life through song. Such spontaneous and vibrant grassroots interactions are the most vivid testament to ethnic unity.

In the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the Fujian-Ningxia cooperation program has enabled Hui communities to find employment close to home, and the achievements of east–west cooperation have benefited thousands of households. In Dulongjiang Township, Yunnan, the Dulong people have emerged from poverty as a whole and, together with people of all ethnic groups nationwide, entered a moderately prosperous society in all respects. These tangible improvements represent the most genuine sense of gain and happiness felt by people of all ethnic groups.

The Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law is a legislation that safeguards, consolidates, and develops socialist ethnic relations characterized by equality, unity, mutual assistance, and harmony. The big family formed by China's 56 ethnic groups has no need for external forces to act as "saviors." Any attempt to exploit ethnic issues to undermine China's stability or interfere in China's internal affairs will be smashed head-on by the Chinese people, who are "closely united like pomegranate seeds."

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