Development integration

Formulation of the legislation, initiated in 2023 before undergoing extensive consultations, has followed the principle of promoting common ground while respecting and accommodating differences, Li Hongzhong, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said in his explanatory remarks on the draft on Thursday.

The first draft of the law was submitted to the NPC Standing Committee for initial review in September.

It was subsequently made available on the NPC's official website to solicit public suggestions and also provided to all NPC deputies before collecting their opinions. The second draft was submitted to the fourth session of the 14th NPC for a third reading.

The draft law lays out the overall requirements, important principles, and responsibilities and duties of relevant entities concerning the promotion of ethnic unity and progress. It also outlines specific measures to build a common cultural home, facilitate interaction, exchanges, and integration, and promote shared prosperity and development.

Creating the law is in line with the overarching trend of the Chinese nation from the past to the future, from tradition to modernity, and unity in diversity, through State legislation, Lou Qinjian, spokesman of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, said at a news conference in Beijing.

"It will also ensure that ethnic regions are supported in integrating with the country's overall development at a faster pace, and that ethnic unity as well as the lawful rights and interests of people from all ethnic groups are better safeguarded,"Lou said. "All these efforts will further boost the cohesion and unity of the Chinese nation."