Weidong Shuangyan, a professor of human rights at Beijing Law University, said that even some ordinary people were afraid of being singled out due to their ethnicity.

“I don’t have anything negative to say about the human rights situation, I don’t like it in many parts of China. But from a human rights point of view, you shouldn’t expect special treatment due to your race or nationality,” he said by telephone.

“Of course, in certain cases, people should act in a certain way and use their discretion. But from what I understand, in no cases can you force citizens to act against their will, even in certain situations.”

He said the legal protections offered in the law were sufficient to give foreigners more control over themselves than Chinese. “It’s much easier for people in China to control their own affairs today. There has been a lot of reform, so that is very positive for everyone.”

The law, he noted, may deter other Chinese citizens from violating human rights. “But what about Americans who get involved in human rights activities in China?” he asked.

“They may be able to defend themselves.”

He likened it to the Chinese saying that “it all comes down to the right to life and security.”

Wang Yijiahun said Chinese people were already concerned about what to do if police raid them, particularly following the arrest of Wang Yu, a human rights lawyer.

“But it could be a lot worse, especially if there were more people of minority ethnic background, or people from poor backgrounds.”

“Chinese people are concerned about more human rights issues as time goes by. As it turns out, more than half the country is now being run by minorities. So it is important that the authorities act quickly and do things to protect minorities in China.”

Heng Hao, a human rights lawyer from Guangzhou, said the law was a good first step.

“The legislation and the policy is not satisfactory, the laws are not clearly explained, the law enforcement agencies are not effective.”

“As a lawyer, we are more used to working with the law than with the police or the court, so we feel it is good to start working from the beginning. But we have to learn more quickly how the law comes into operation.”

Another legal analyst said the legislation was good as an initial step, but was a start to a series