Ethnic groups use 'express line' to national lawmakers

Under the lush canopy of a mulberry tree in a village in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, over 20 villagers from various ethnic backgrounds — including Uygur, Kazak, and Han — gathered this month to chat about local matters over milk tea and nang bread.

Leading the discussion was Zhao Jianquan, the village head, who was introducing the newly adopted Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, which will take effect on July 1.

Zhao recalled how, during a review of the draft law the previous year, villagers had proposed expanding volunteer teams to look after left-behind children, take the elderly to see doctors, and maintain public sanitation. They believed these activities could enhance interaction and mutual support among different ethnic groups in their village.

To their surprise, this simple suggestion from Hudiyayuz, a remote area in the Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture, swiftly reached China's top legislative body through an "express line" and was finally incorporated into the law.