China is intensifying its national defense education, starting from primary school through university, according to a recent report by French newspaper Libération. This move aims to instill discipline and patriotism in the younger generation, preparing them for potential future conflicts.
The revised national defense education law introduces a tiered approach:
– Primary school students will receive basic defense awareness
– Middle school students will learn fundamental knowledge and skills
– High school and university students will undergo mandatory military training
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will collaborate with the education department to conduct military drills, including shooting exercises, in high schools and universities. PLA branches are set to establish a presence in educational institutions across the country.
Reports indicate that some schools in Guangxi and Fujian provinces have already organized exercises using automatic rifles and rocket launchers. Even kindergarteners are being exposed to military culture through visits to army camps.
Universities are taking it a step further by conducting practical training with advanced equipment like drones and rocket launchers. The government is actively encouraging graduates in fields such as chemistry, missile technology, radar, and weapons engineering to join the PLA.
While China maintains a largely voluntary conscription system, this new approach mirrors the public military education systems seen in Russia and North Korea, incorporating mandatory training.
These developments, along with the PLA’s new recruitment guidelines adopted in May 2023, suggest that Xi Jinping’s regime is focusing on “preparing for war.” The national defense education reform is part of a broader strategy, which includes recent laws on anti-espionage and foreign investment, demonstrating Beijing’s comprehensive approach to addressing potential security threats.
Source: Radio France International, September 24, 2024
https://rfi.my/Az9e