China mulls new patriotic education law

Chinese lawmakers are considering a new law to promote the spirit of patriotism in the country, especially among the younger generations.

The draft patriotic education law was on Monday submitted to

the National People's Congress Standing Committee for its first reading.

According to the draft, patriotic education covers areas such as ideology and politics, history and culture, national symbols, the beauty of the motherland, national unity and ethnic solidarity, national security and defense, and the deeds of heroes and role models.

In terms of implementation, the draft emphasizes the utilization of Party heritage resources, cultural heritage, patriotic education bases and cultural sites in patriotic education.

The spirit of patriotism would be promoted through national merit and honor awards, activities during the country's National Day, important anniversaries and major festivals, as well as through flag-raising ceremonies, the singing of the national anthem and pledges of allegiance to the Constitution.

While stipulating that all citizens should undertake patriotic education, the draft highlights the education of children and young people.

The draft specifies that schools at all levels should integrate patriotic education into the entire educational process. It emphasizes the importance of providing quality ideological and political theory courses and integrating patriotic education content into various subjects.