China's Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced plans to fully incorporate patriotism education into the curriculum across different subjects and textbooks. Experts believe that this initiative will contribute to the objective of fostering patriotism in students. This decision aligns with the impending enforcement of the Patriotic Education Law on January 1, 2024, which mandates the integration of patriotism education into the national education system and outlines the specific responsibilities of education departments and schools at various levels.
Wang Daquan, deputy director-general of the Department of Policies and Regulations at the Ministry of Education (MOE), underscored the necessity of integrating patriotism education across the entire spectrum of school education. He emphasized the guidance of schools at all levels in delivering ideological and political theory courses. Additionally, Wang stressed the incorporation of patriotism education into various subjects and textbooks. Xiong Bingqi, the director of the 21st Century Education Research Institute in Beijing, commented that this approach is beneficial for enhancing the curriculum system by including patriotic education, with the ultimate aim of cultivating students with a patriotic spirit. Xiong highlighted that it further underscores and reinforces the significance of patriotic education.
As the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) approaches in 2024, an official from the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee emphasized during a press conference that it is an opportune moment to enforce the law and effectively carry out patriotism education. The official mentioned that relevant departments are currently developing plans for next year's celebration. Xiong noted the importance of strengthening patriotism education during significant events like National Day, emphasizing the need to enhance students' experiences through various ceremonial activities in addition to formal curriculum education. Xiong highlighted that personal experiences are crucial for patriotism education to extend beyond mere verbal expression. Additionally, officials from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress emphasized the close integration of patriotism education with the preservation and advancement of traditional Chinese culture while implementing the law. They stressed the promotion of cultural confidence and advocated for maintaining an open and inclusive approach, learning from the accomplishments of human civilization in patriotism education, and preventing interference from populism.
