Members of the Tibetan community in exile staged a symbolic protest in India ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit for the BRICS Summit, calling on Beijing to repeal its newly enacted ethnic-unity legislation.

The protest comes just days after China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress came into force on July 1, legislation that has drawn criticism from Tibetan representatives and international rights groups over its potential implications for minority languages, cultural practices and religious identity. 

Protest Ahead of Xi Jinping’s India Visit

Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit New Delhi on September 12–13 for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, his first visit to India in seven years. He is also expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid efforts to stabilise India-China relations following years of tensions after the 2020 border crisis. 

Against this backdrop, the Tibetan community's protest puts China's policies toward ethnic minorities back into focus as Xi prepares to attend a major multilateral gathering in the Indian capital.

What Is China’s Ethnic Unity Law?

China's Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress was adopted in March 2026 and came into force on July 1.

Beijing presents the legislation as a framework for promoting ethnic unity, development and integration among China's various ethnic groups. Critics, however, argue that the law could strengthen policies aimed at greater cultural and linguistic assimilation.

Amnesty International has raised concerns that the legislation could affect minority cultural and linguistic rights, including those of Tibetans, Uyghurs and other ethnic communities.

Tibetan Representatives Demand Repeal

The Tibetan protesters have called for the law to be repealed, arguing that it threatens the preservation of Tibetan identity, language and religious traditions.

The Central Tibetan Administration and other Tibetan groups have previously criticised the legislation. Newsonair reported that Tibetan Government-in-Exile leaders strongly condemned the law after its passage, saying it could have serious implications for Tibetans and other minority communities.

The demand for repeal reflects a long-standing dispute between Tibetan representatives in exile and Beijing over cultural rights, political autonomy and China's governance of Tibet.

International Concerns Over Minority Rights

The legislation has attracted criticism beyond Tibetan organisations.

Amnesty International said before the law took effect that it raised concerns about the future of ethnic minority identities and cultural rights. Other international observers have similarly questioned whether the legislation could reinforce assimilation policies.

These criticisms contrast with Beijing's stated position that ethnic unity and integration are necessary for social stability and national development.

Xi Visit Comes Amid India-China Thaw

The protest also comes at a sensitive moment in India-China relations.

India and China have gradually worked to stabilise ties following the military disengagement process after the 2020 border confrontation. The upcoming Modi-Xi meeting is expected to cover bilateral economic relations, trade, investment, border issues and broader regional developments. 

However, analysts caution that significant differences and a trust deficit remain between the two countries. (Reuters)

Tibet Issue Adds Another Dimension

The Tibetan protest highlights an issue that India must navigate alongside its broader diplomatic engagement with Beijing.

New Delhi has maintained a complex position on Tibet while simultaneously managing a sensitive relationship with China. Xi's visit creates a high-profile setting for discussions on bilateral ties, while Tibetan groups are using the occasion to draw attention to their concerns over China's ethnic policies.

For the Tibetan community in exile, the protest is intended to keep questions surrounding cultural identity and minority rights in the international spotlight.