On May 19 the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) issued a circular regarding the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Communist State in 1949.

The circular stresses the importance of “holding high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics,” and of “vigorously promoting the great national spirit with patriotism as its core.” The text also emphasizes the role of “Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era” as the guiding principle of propaganda.

Flag of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) (image by Daderot via Wikimedia Commons)

One of the new rules aimed at strengthening the Chinese Communist leadership’s nationalist message concerns two of the symbols of nationhood which Beijing uses to propagate its ideology: the national anthem and the flag.

“From now until the end of the year, every radio and television station at all administrative levels … shall play the national anthem at 7 a.m. every day,” the circular states.

“Party bureaus at all administrative levels, mass organizations, large enterprises and work units, urban and rural communities in the whole country, as well as patriotic sites etc., shall perform solemn flag-raising ceremonies for the 70th national day and display the national flag during the entire long holiday period. Households are urged to hang out the national flag. All schools at all administrative levels shall teach students the spiritual meaning of the national flag, of the national symbols, and of the national anthem,” the document continues.

Since taking office in 2013, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has cracked down on freedom of speech and intensified the promotion of nationalism to consolidate the Communist regime.

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