Recently, a few Israeli media outlets have hyped up untruthful reports concerning the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress. The Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Israel has refuted the false reports through Ynet as follows:

The relevant article is completely inconsistent with the facts. Its claims about “forced assimilation,” “overseas police stations,” and “chilling effect” are political fabrications intended to smear China.

There are no so-called “re-education camps” in Xinjiang. The vocational education and training centers established there under Chinese law were educational institutions designed as a preventive counterterrorism and de-radicalization measure. The 14th Dalai Lama is not a representative of the people of Xizang, but a political exile who has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion.

China is a unified multiethnic country. Under the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, the Law on Regional Ethnic Autonomy, and other relevant laws, the lawful rights and interests of all ethnic groups are fully protected, and equality, solidarity, mutual assistance, and harmony among them are safeguarded.

The Chinese government protects by law the freedom of ethnic minorities to use and develop their own spoken and written languages, as well as the freedom of religious belief enjoyed by all ethnic groups. The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress serves the fundamental and overall interests of the Chinese nation. Its implementation provides a solid legal foundation for advancing ethnic unity and for people of all ethnic groups to work together in pursuing Chinese modernization.

Ethnic unity is the cornerstone of long-term national stability, an essential safeguard for the public interest and the rights and interests of the people, and a most important tool for protecting human rights. Israel likewise emphasizes solidarity among Jewish communities worldwide while valuing a society characterized by diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Any words or actions that foment ethnic division or incite hostility between communities must be condemned and firmly opposed.

We hope that the relevant Israeli media outlets will view China’s ethnic policies objectively and rationally, stop spreading false information, stop sensationalizing and vilifying China, and instead contribute to greater mutual trust and cooperation between our two countries.