China to require patriotism education for intellectuals

Chinese authorities are requiring intellectuals to participate in patriotism-themed activities and training to achieve the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.



The campaign will be "launched mainly among young and middle-aged intellectuals at schools, research institutes, enterprises and public institutes," according to a notice released by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee's Organization Department and the Publicity Department, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday.



It needs to be promoted at a "normal" pace, without any time frame. The format of the activities should not be uniform, or have rigid regulations and targets, the notice says.



Because of the wide range of intellectuals who have distinguished themselves in different fields, the activities should respect their diversity, the notice said.



"China's patriotism education has faded in recent years, which has led to many abnormal phenomena," Su Wei, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, told the Global Times on Thursday.



Amid US-China trade tensions, voices supporting the country should prevail, but many are turning against their country on social media, Weibo and WeChat. Some patriotic intellectuals are even called "patriotic thieves" or "50 cents" or wumao. It demonizes patriotic behaviors, Su said.



The national identity is also being challenged by globalization and corruption among Party leaders and officials prior to the 18th National Congress of the CPC, Su said.



Intellectuals expect more toward democracy and the rule of law from globalization. Some of them express unrealistic dissatisfaction toward the country. Corruption has also affected people's trust in government and the nation, Su added.



The notice says intellectuals should strengthen their political consciousness, thereby improving their sense of identity with the Party and the country.



Meng Qingshan, an employee at a Beijing-based public institution, agrees with widely promoting patriotism, particularly on social media, saying there are unpatriotic people who always post irrational statements online in an attempt to confuse the public.



Meng, also a Party member, hailed the column on Weibo called "new era" where many hashtags feature patriotism. "I read some every day. They motivate me to work harder and become a better person. It is a good way to promote patriotism among netizens," Meng told the Global Times.



To ensure the campaign's success, authorities will ask intellectuals to integrate patriotism education with their personal work through seminars, training and daily studies.



Local Party organizations should also mobilize intellectuals and encourage them to participate in the campaign, the notice says.





