China introduces ‘Xi Jinping Thought’ onto curriculum for all age groups
‘Xi Jinping Thought’ will be taught to millions of students across all school levels and in universities
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Your support makes all the difference.China is all set to educate its youth on the version of “Marxist belief” espoused by its president by infusing “Xi Jinping Thought” into the national curriculum, its ministry of education announced on Tuesday.
Already enshrined in China’s Constitution in 2018, “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era” will be taught to thousands of students starting from primary school level up into university.
Aimed at establishing Marxist beliefs and a young age as well as loyalty to the ruling Chinese Communist Party, the introduction of “Xi Jinping Thought” in textbooks will help strengthen the “resolve to listen to and follow the party”, the state-run Global Times reported, citing an official statement.
It will also help teenagers gain confidence in the “path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics”, it said.
The national curriculum will be revised to accommodate the 14-point ideological text and will span basic, vocational and higher education in school. It will also be integrated into various subjects, the report said, quoting a member of the National Textbook Committee.
At the earliest stage, primary schools will be tasked with helping children cultivate a love for their country, the Communist Party and socialism, the report said. In middle schools, the focus will be on a combination of perceptual experience and knowledge study which will help students shape basic political judgments and opinions. At the college level, students will learn about theoretical thinking.
The 14-point “Xi Jinping Thought” says that the Chinese Communist Party leadership should be ensured over “all forms of work in China”, the party should take a people-centric approach for the public interest, it should govern China with the rule of law and practise socialist core values like Marxism and communism among others.
It also says that the Xi Jinping-led party should have “absolute leadership” over the armed forces, and espouses an unerring belief in the One China principle what it comes to the country’s borders.
It is the latest move to cement the Communist Party’s position generally and Mr Xi’s in particular. The 68-year-old abolished presidential term limits in 2018, extending his rule indefinitely.
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