China enacts patriotic education law

The Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress enacted on Tuesday the People’s Republic of China Patriotic Education Law. The law provides directions for different governmental organs and civil organizations to include patriotic content in the public education system.

By enacting the law, the Chinese government seeks to incorporate patriotic content into the education system. They intend to do so through the incorporation of topics like: Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thoughts and Xi Jinping Thoughts on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; Chinese Communist Parties’ history, great achievement; Chinese traditional, revolutionary, and advanced socialist culture; and the national flag, anthem, emblem, and other national symbols and signs. Specific measures include the setup of the central department in charge of patriotic education, which would be responsible for planning and coordinating patriotic education. According to the law, local departments should follow these guidelines and promote patriotic education not only through the public education system but also in culture and tourism, news and publications, radio and television and film, internet information and cultural artifacts sectors.

Article 23 of the Law provides that the country shall introduce “One Country, Two Systems” implementation education to strengthen Hong Kong and Macau citizens’ patriotic spirits and their consciousness to protect sovereignty and national unity. Relatedly, the Hong Kong Chief Executive has included in his Policy Address several policies that adhere to the Law on Wednesday. These policies include establishing the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, and setting up two museums about China and the War of Resistance. The Education Bureau is also tasked with providing national security education training to teachers and publishing a Humanities Curriculum Framework for primary schools to enhance students’ understanding of Chinese culture.

It is worth noting that the same article also provides for the enhancement in the promotion education of China’s Reunification towards Taiwan. The law, however, does not provide any information as to how Chinese government officials are going to implement this article in Taiwan.