In China, considered one of the most restrictive countries to work as a member of the press, thousands of journalists will soon reportedly be required to pass a test grading their understanding of President Xi Jinping’s political teachings, as well as their loyalty to the Chinese leader. If they’re unable to pass the test after two tries, their press credentials could be at risk. As first reported by China Media Project and South China Morning Post, journalists working in Chinese state media were recently notified of the impending test by the country’s media regulator. The test will be based on teachings found in a controversial app ― loosely translated as “Study Xi, Strong Nation” — introduced by the government earlier this year.

#China 🇨🇳: Journalists in Chinese state media are to be tested on loyalty to Xi Jinping. Updated press cards will only be issued to journalists who have passed the exam. #shame#PressFreedomhttps://t.co/CvCSJoep8M via @scmpnews — IFJ (@IFJGlobal) September 20, 2019

The app, which has been compared to the late Chairman Mao Zedong’s “Little Red Book,” contains articles, video clips and other media about Xi’s political philosophy, according to the Morning Post. The app, which Chinese citizens have been strongly encouraged to use by Xi’s government, scores users on a point system and keeps track of users’ progress.

The most downloaded app in China feeds its users propaganda in a bid to build up Xi's cult of personality. pic.twitter.com/mPxQWOZpwT — SCMP News (@SCMPNews) April 15, 2019