China will add “Xi Jinping Thought” to the national curriculum

SHANGHAI, Aug 25 (Reuters) – China will incorporate “Xi Jinping Thought” into its national curriculum to help “establish Marxist belief” in the country’s youth, the education ministry said in new guidelines released on Tuesday .

The Ministry of Education said that “Chinese President Xi Jinping’s thinking on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era” would be taught from primary school to university.

The measure aims to strengthen the “decision to listen and follow the party” and the new teaching materials should “cultivate patriotic feelings,” according to the guidelines.

Since coming to power in 2012, the Chinese president has tried to strengthen the role of the Chinese Communist Party in all areas of society, including its businesses, schools and cultural institutions.

“Xi Jinping’s thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era” was formally enshrined in the country’s constitution in 2018. Xi’s personal power has also been strengthened with the abolition of the limits of the presidential term.

In a speech on the occasion of the centenary of the Communist Party in July, Xi vowed to “improve” the leadership of the party, maintain its own “basic” leadership and strengthen the unity of the Chinese people.

Reports by David Stanway; edited by Jane Wardell

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