China's law to deepen patriotism draws both concern and support

Some back move while others ask if love for a country should be enforced

- Aw Cheng Wei

BEIJING - A sweeping new law to get families, schools and companies to deepen patriotism in China kicked in on Jan 1, attracting both concern and support from parents and netizens.

The Patriotic Education Law, which was passed in October 2023, is set to "further encourage a strong social atmosphere for patriotism", according to the state-owned People's Daily on Jan 1.

There "is a practical need to unify thoughts and gather strength for the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation", Mr Zeng Jianli, a deputy director at the central propaganda department - the ruling party's main publicity and censorship unit - told the newspaper.

With the legal change, schools must include patriotic education in their curriculum, while companies must do so in their operations, such as business management and staff training. Parents should also "include love of the motherland in family education", says the law.

In addition, measures will be taken to strengthen patriotism among residents in Hong Kong and Macau, beef up publicity and education on unifying China, and strengthen communication with overseas Chinese and Taiwan residents.

Beijing has made it clear that reclaiming Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory, is inevitable. And when public anger towards China's zero-Covid policy spilled over to public protests in late 2022, overseas Chinese also organised similar demonstrations in countries such as Britain, the United States and Canada.

Under the new law, national symbols such as China's flag, emblem and the country's heroes and martyrs are not to be insulted.