China’s patriotic education law takes effect, draws mixed reactions from citizens

A sweeping new law to get families, schools and companies to deepen patriotism in China kicked in on Jan 1, attracting both concern and support from parents and netizens. Asst Prof Dylan Loh at the NTU’s Public Policy and Global Affairs programme told The Straits Times that the law came about as the Communist Party of China had “identified risks, particularly among some disenfranchised and politically apathetic youths”. Said the China expert: “It is clearly unacceptable to depart from CPC hagiography and ideology, such as embracing Western ideas of democracy, freedom of speech."

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