China's Growing Emphasis on Patriotic Education

In this episode, we delve into the increasing focus on patriotic education in China and its implications for the country's citizens. For years, China has placed a strong emphasis on instilling a sense of patriotism among its population. However, recent developments have taken this to a new level, with a growing emphasis on compulsory education centered on Communist Party history and loyalty.

One significant development is the introduction of textbooks teaching Xi Jinping Thought in schools. This marks the first time a living leader of the Chinese Communist Party has been studied by name in Chinese schools since Mao. The aim of this curriculum is to promote conformity and discourage dissent, with the expectation that everyone should think like a school kid in a classroom and bow to Xi's authority.

But it doesn't stop at schools. The new patriotic education law in China expands the scope of patriotic education to include not just educational institutions, but also artists, writers, religious institutions, and even parents. This broadening of the law is seen as a way to enforce conformity and punish those who do not adhere to patriotic ideals.

What's interesting is that this law is part of a broader trend in China of turning existing policies and practices into formal laws. By doing so, the Communist Party aims to establish legitimacy and reinforce its authority. However, the law is deliberately vague, allowing the party to interpret and enforce it as it sees fit. This creates a sense of uncertainty and self-censorship among the population.

Ultimately, this law signals a serious intent to enforce patriotic education and puts pressure on local governments and individuals to comply. Join us as we explore the implications of this growing emphasis on patriotic education in China.

China is awash with nationalist education: every student from primary school to university must learn the leader’s political philosophy. Now, Xi Jinping wants to make patriotic education a law. 

The legislation, which was given its first hearing in June, spells out that parents “shall include love of the motherland in family education”. It also lists punishments for offences such as insulting the flag to questioning approved histories about Communist Party heroes. 

The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief, David Rennie, and South-East Asia correspondent, Sue-Lin Wong, discuss what the legislation will change in the classroom and beyond, and what it reveals about how President Xi wants to govern. 

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