China's new ethnic unity law has officially taken effect, drawing criticism from Western governments and human rights groups, who warn it could expand Beijing's ability to target critics beyond its borders.

The legislation, which came into force on July 1, is the first law since the 1990s to be reviewed by China's Communist Party Politburo and the first in the history of the People's Republic of China to include a preamble. It enshrines Chinese leader Xi Jinping's vision of forging what Beijing calls a "shared national identity."

A Taiwan-based international relations scholar says the law also reflects Xi's effort to further consolidate political power. He notes the legislation repeatedly emphasizes the Communist Party's leadership and the principle that "the Party commands the gun," suggesting Beijing is using legal mechanisms to reinforce long-term one-party rule.

A Taiwan defense analyst says the measure marks a significant shift from China's previous ethnic policy, which emphasized regional autonomy for minority groups. Instead, he says, it provides a legal foundation for continued Sinicization and potentially broader cultural assimilation.

One of the law's most controversial provisions extends China's legal reach overseas, allowing Beijing to pursue legal action against foreign individuals or organizations accused of undermining what it defines as ethnic unity.

The analyst warns that foreign governments, human rights organizations and private citizens could also become targets if their statements or activities are deemed to challenge Beijing's definition of national unity. Such law reflects China's broader trend of using legislation as a strategic tool to advance its domestic and international objectives.