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Probably the same reason it might be useful to say "racial bias" instead of just "bias" or "religious conflict" instead of just "conflict". It frames the topic as having a complex, historical context. Again, the reporter would then drill down into precise meanings and investigate nuanced causes.

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Those two adjectives at least tell me something, that there's a racial element or a difference of religion. "Ethnic" means it could involve racism, a difference in religion, a cultural disagreement or a couple other things.

It may rule out that it's political tension or something like sports hooliganism, but even those can also be part of "ethnic tensions."

Interesting enough “racial bias” and “religious conflict” are more precise descriptors of ethnic tension.

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