Peters dismisses concerns over China ethnic unity law

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has dismissed concerns about China's new ethnic unity law, saying it carries no legal weight in New Zealand.

Peters said the legislation holds no authority outside China's borders, including in New Zealand, Australia, the United States or the United Kingdom. "You might make the claim, but it doesn't apply," he said.

China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion law establishes Beijing's framework for a unified national identity, mandating that government agencies, educational institutions and public bodies advance ethnic integration and state allegiance. A provision in the law allows for legal action against individuals and organisations outside China's territory who are deemed to have damaged ethnic unity and progress.

Beijing maintains the law will strengthen social harmony and national solidarity, while rights organisations contend it deepens measures designed to absorb ethnic minorities into the dominant culture.

Peters said he would not raise the matter with Chinese officials because the law lacks standing in New Zealand. "If you're coming to New Zealand, well, you sign up to New Zealand's law and New Zealand's flag and New Zealand's democracy. Otherwise, don't come," he said.

ACT MP Laura McClure plans to email Peters requesting he take up the issue directly with China. McClure, who sits on the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China and was one of four New Zealand MPs barred from entering China for one year following a Taiwan visit, said the law signals Beijing's belief it can reach across borders.

"There are groups already in New Zealand that feel that they can't freely... go to a protest, for example, or attend a Taiwanese event without feeling the intimidation from the Chinese government," McClure said. She called for New Zealand to clearly communicate its sovereignty and commitment to protecting rights and freedoms for all residents.

Australia's government has formally objected to Beijing about the legislation and its capacity to restrict rights and liberties outside Chinese territory.