China Ahead of Xi Jinping's Third Term Strengthens National Defense Education in Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education

[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Cho Young-shin] China is strengthening national defense education for elementary, middle, high school, and university students.

This appears to be an educational policy aimed at reinforcing the mental armament of the youth, given the sharp confrontation with the United States over Taiwan independence and South China Sea territorial disputes.

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On the 2nd, according to the Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper People's Daily and Xinhua News Agency, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission announced a notice titled "Opinions on Strengthening and Improving National Defense Education in the New Era" (hereinafter referred to as the Opinions) the day before.

The Opinions define national defense education as a fundamental task to build and consolidate a strong people's army for national defense. It emphasized the necessity of strengthening national defense education, stating that the Party and the people bear the task of promoting peaceful reunification of the motherland and safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests.

The Opinions specify that special national defense education should be systematically conducted not only by local organizations such as provinces nationwide but also targeting the general public. This means that national defense education should be carried out in both civilian and government sectors.

In particular, it mentions strengthening national defense education for elementary, middle, high school, and university students, and that the educational content should be included in school grades.

Regarding this, the Central Propaganda Department explained that youth are the future and hope of the motherland, and the Opinions include effective measures (such as incorporating evaluation systems like grades) to improve young people's understanding of national defense.

Although the Opinions do not describe specific national defense education courses, it is expected that students above high school level will undergo a certain period of military training classes (21 days for university students, 14 days for high school students, etc.).

Chinese authorities are believed to have begun detailed work on systems and funding, including revising the National Defense Education Law and preparing budgets for national defense education projects (encouraging donations for national defense education).

The timing of the announcement of these strengthened national defense education Opinions, just before Xi Jinping’s third term as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, suggests a high possibility that future political conflicts between the U.S. and China will spread into conflicts among the peoples of both countries.

On the same day, the People's Daily reported on its front page that unity around Comrade Xi Jinping is essential to promote national defense education reform in the new era and to realize China's dream of a strong military.

Meanwhile, China announced a roadmap for "military modernization" by 2027, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, at the 5th Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee in 2020, signaling an increase in defense spending.

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