Regional ethnic autonomy

China is a multi-ethnic country, a union of 56 ethnic groups that have been recognized and confirmed by the Central Government. The Han ethnic group has the largest population, while the other 55 are minority ethnic groups with smaller populations. Compared with different approaches to ethnic issues in other countries with a multi-ethnic makeup, China’s approach focuses on regional ethnic autonomy. Under the leadership of the Central Government, self-governance is exercised in regions with large ethnic minority populations, where local affairs are administered by local autonomous governing bodies. Regional ethnic autonomy is a basic component of China’s political system.

The policies of the CPC and the Central Government on regional ethnic autonomy were later codified into law and promulgated on May 1, 1984 as the Law on Regional Ethnic Autonomy. The law was revised on February 28, 2001 in response to new developments associated with China’s socialist market economy. The revised law further affirms regional ethnic autonomy as a basic component of China’s political system.

There are currently 155 ethnic autonomous areas in China designated in accordance with the Constitution and laws: five autonomous regions, 30 autonomous prefectures, and 120 autonomous counties. There are also more than 1,100 autonomous townships. These areas enjoy extensive autonomy, as prescribed in the Constitution and the Law on Regional Ethnic Autonomy.