China Introduces New Law to Boost Patriotism among Its Citizenry
China's Patriotic Education Law is an extensive measure by President Xi Jinping to enhance the Communist Party's influence in every aspect of society, aiming to instill patriotic values across all sectors of the country
Junior high school students in Fuzhou, southeast China, gathered at a country park on a chilly December day to explore the ideas of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. They followed in his footsteps from his 2021 visit to the area, hoping to gain insight into politics and ideology. Their outing was dubbed a "walking classroom of politics and ideology," as they aimed to deepen their understanding of Xi's principles. This information comes from a state-affiliated local news outlet.
A different set of young people in the northern coastal city of Tianjin visited a fort to contemplate "the sorrowful history of Chinese people's struggle against foreign aggression."
These trips are a component of the increased focus on nationalist education in China in recent years, which is now formalized in a comprehensive new law that was implemented earlier this week.
The "Patriotic Education Law" aims to promote national unity by requiring the incorporation of love for the country and the ruling Chinese Communist Party into work and study for individuals of all ages and professions. According to a Chinese propaganda official, the law is designed to unify thoughts and gather the strength of the people for the purpose of building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation.
China has long emphasized the love for country and the Communist Party, incorporating patriotism and propaganda into education, company culture, and daily life since the founding of the Peoples Republic almost 75 years ago. Under Xi's leadership, Chinese nationalism has flourished, with the country's most authoritarian leader in decades aiming to restore China's global power and prominence, promoting a confrontational "wolf warrior" diplomacy in the face of growing tensions with the West.
Ultra-nationalism has thrived on social media, resulting in a strong backlash and boycotts against anyone who is seen as disrespecting China - including live-streamers, comedians, and foreign brands.
Attendees sing a patriotic song in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on September 15, 2019 at an event marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
AFP/Getty Images
The latest expansion of Xi's efforts to strengthen the party's influence in both public and private spheres comes in the form of new rules. This follows the lifting of strict Covid-19 controls in China at the end of 2022, which came after widespread protests by the country's youth against Xi's government and its policies.
They also come as the economy slumps and youth unemployment has reached a record high - raising the potential for more discontent.
On June 5, 2023, in Jiaozuo, Henan Province of China, senior three students are seen studying in the classroom in preparation for the 2023 National College Entrance Exam (Gaokao). This image was captured by Cheng Quan/VCG/Getty Images.
The number of individuals taking China's college entrance exam is at an all-time high. However, a challenging job market is waiting for them. Experts believe that Beijing may view the new legal framework as a means to increase nationalism and strengthen control in order to maintain social stability in the face of impending difficulties.
China has traditionally depended on its citizens to embrace its vision as an unspoken "social contract," but Jonathan Sullivan, an expert in Chinese politics at the University of Nottingham, believes that the country is heading towards a difficult period in the years ahead. "There may be challenges to this if there is a prolonged economic decline... they are actively working to ensure that the politically correct ideology is firmly established, making it unquestionable that the party's ideology is the only path for China, and that if you love China, you should love the party," he stated.
The message has been consistently emphasized in formerly vocal Hong Kong after the massive democracy protests of 2019. Beijing has since made its intentions known to cultivate a new generation of patriots in the city, implementing patriotic education guidelines and political constraints that disqualify anyone considered unpatriotic from running for office.
The law's introduction is timed with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st. Officials will face pressure to ensure a display of patriotism - and to eliminate any potential for dissent.
A demonstrator holds a blank sign and chants slogans during a protest in Beijing on November 28, 2022.
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Patriotic curriculum for all walks of life
Under the law, professionals - from scientists to athletes - should be nurtured to profess "patriotic feelings and behavior that bring glory to the country."
Local governments must utilize cultural resources, including museums and traditional Chinese festivals, to promote a sense of national pride and family values. Additionally, they are encouraged to increase patriotic education through various media platforms such as news reports, broadcasting, and movies.
Similarly, religious organizations are urged to bolster the patriotic sentiment and understanding of the rule of law among their members and staff. This requirement aligns with China's efforts to "sinicize" and exert greater control over religious practices.
The most recent legislation builds upon a 2016 directive by the Ministry of Education to implement comprehensive patriotic education at all levels and in every aspect of schooling, which is a key component of the new unified law.
This legislation also continues previous initiatives, such as the development of smartphone apps for individuals to engage in "learning about new socialist thought," which includes a module on "Grandpa Xi leading us into the new era," as well as providing adults with the opportunity to read and participate in quizzes on Xi's latest theories.
The latter was deemed a success in terms of downloads - as all 90 million Communist Party members were ordered to use it alongside many employees of state-owned enterprises.
People wave Chinese flags to mark China's National Day in Hong Kong on October 1, 2023.
Vernon Yuen/NurPhoto/Getty Images
The new regulations emphasize the integration of patriotic education into school subjects and teaching materials across all grades and types of institutions. Additionally, parents are expected to guide their children and promote their participation in patriotic activities at home.
Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, pointed out that this move aligns with Xis efforts to consolidate power and demonstrates his desire for patriotic education to begin at an early age.
The decision was made to foster a sense of loyalty towards Xi among the younger generation and to convey to the public that Beijing's primary goal now is to strengthen Xi's authority in the aftermath of the economic growth of the last ten years.
A man looks at a painting by Chinese painter Yue Minjun entitled " Hats Series, Armed Forces "during a Sotheby's auction preview in Hong Kong Thursday, April. 2, 2009.
Vincent Yu/AP
The Chinese military has transformed into an inviolable symbol of nationalism. Artists and comedians are discovering this the difficult way.
Additionally, the new legislation mandates cultural institutions like museums and libraries to be transformed into spaces for patriotic educational activities, and tourist destinations into places that "foster patriotism."
Schools are now legally mandated to organize trips for students to visit these sites, which are referred to as "walking classrooms of politics and ideology." While such trips were not uncommon in the past, they are now required by law.
China has additional laws aimed at eliminating unpatriotic actions, including prohibiting the desecration of national flags and insults to soldiers. In recent years, under Xi's leadership, any form of dissent in China, even through online comments that do not align with the party's views, can lead to trouble with the authorities. However, the new law may suggest the implementation of penalties for acts that are not currently punishable under existing laws, according to Ye Ruiping, a senior law lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand.
She stated that advocating, glorifying, or denying acts of invasion, wars, and massacres, as well as damaging patriotic education facilities, could result in punishments.
