Schools to promote patriotic education

Intangible cultural heritage demonstrations are expected to be integrated into school programs, so that young people can understand and appreciate more about patriotism, officials said.

Wang Daquan, an official with the Ministry of Education, recently emphasized the importance of schools collaborating with historical and cultural sites to provide immersive learning experiences, adding that patriotic education should be included in classes according to the characteristics of students of different ages.

Zhou Jiucai, from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, echoed Wang, saying that the ministry has planned to give full play to museum exhibits, memorial activities, intangible cultural heritage demonstrations and revolutionary history tours in patriotic education, with stronger support to these sites in promoting patriotism through digital platforms, performance and themed festivals.

The officials said the measures are aimed at enhancing the patriotic feelings of the public, especially the youngsters, which is also the requirement of the Patriotic Education Law, which took effect on Monday.

Promoting patriotic education by the rule of law is significant for China in its critical stage of national rejuvenation, according to Yang Heqing, an official with the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

"The law can help Chinese people carry forward their national spirit and pool strength in the new era, advancing their ambition to build a stronger power and realize national rejuvenation," he said.

With sufficient development and utilization of cultural, historical and tourist resources, as well as the heritage of the Communist Party of China, patriotic education will be implemented in an extensive, in-depth, persistent and effective manner, he added.

Yu Xiangchen, a high school student from Chongqing, told Xinhua News Agency that he called for strengthening patriotic education in cyberspace when the NPC Standing Committee solicited public suggestions and opinions in the formulation of the law.

His advice was accepted. In the law, internet service providers are not only required to provide and spread more patriotic content, with the application of new platforms and products to organize patriotic activities, but also to combat online information deemed inconsistent with national values.

Tang Lei, an official with the Cyberspace Administration of China, said the internet has become a major carrier of patriotic education, stressing the significance of purifying the online environment and safeguarding cybersecurity.

While pledging to carry out the Patriotic Education Law, he noted that several other legal documents, such as the Cybersecurity Law and the Minor Protection Law, have already outlined obligations for online platform operators to protect national security and foster responsible online behaviors.

"We'll work with the ministries, as well as museums and theme parks, to introduce the Patriotic Education Law, helping to incorporate interesting activities into online platforms and make online products, so that more people can understand the law," he said.

In addition, the quality of patriotic content in cyberspace will be improved, he added.