China To Now Teach 'Xi Jinping Thought' To Students From Primary Schools To Universities

‘Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism With Chinese Characteristics for a New Era’ was formally enshrined in China’s constitution in 2018

Books by Chinese President Xi Jinping on display at a booth at the annual Hong Kong Book Fair in Hong Kong on July 17, 2021 | AFP

New Delhi: China has said it will incorporate "Xi Jinping Thought" into its national curriculum so “Marxist belief" can be instilled in the country's youth.

In new guidelines published on Tuesday, the country’s education ministry said Chinese President Xi Jinping's "thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era" would be taught from primary school level to university, media reports said.

According to the guidelines, the move aims to strengthen "resolve to listen to and follow the Party" and new teaching materials must "cultivate patriotic feelings".

In 2018, "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism With Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" was formally enshrined in China’s constitution. 

Xi Jinping, who came to power in 2012, has always sought to strengthen the role of the ruling Chinese Communist Party in all areas, including businesses, schools and cultural institutions.

In his July speech during the celebrations of the centenary of CCP, Xi had vowed to "enhance" the party's leadership and strengthen the unity of the Chinese people.

Earlier, speaking at a joint group meeting of national political advisers from education, medical and health sectors in March this year, the president had said “education is essential to the country and the Party”, and that China must work hard to build a “high-quality and balanced basic public education service system”.

He had stressed on the “socialist orientation” in the functioning of schools, emphasising that the nature of education should be non-profit, and that curriculum should be developed in a way that “people are satisfied with” education.

“To build a high-quality education system, the reform of the evaluation system should be in the lead, so as to push forward reforms in other aspects of education,” Xi had said, according to the education ministry website.