Qiushi published an article that discussed the importance of ideology in the international contest. The article stated, “Firmly controlling a nation’s ideological position is not only its core national interest, but is also an important bargaining chip in the international contest. Today’s world has left ‘the era of violence and money control’ and ‘nuclear bombs and rockets’ have moved to the back of the stage. Competing for ‘soft power,’ including the right to determine what language is spoken, controlling the Internet, issuing information, establishing the rules, and leading the cultural trend, have become the focus of competition for comprehensive national strength. In this ‘war without smoke,’ between all participating countries and based on international and domestic pressure, China has gained the forefront in the ideology struggle. China’s ideological development faces many challenges. The article listed the following challenges:

1. The culture infiltration of Western hostile forces threatens the security of China’s ideology. 2. Different thoughts interfere with the recognition of China’s mainstream ideology. 3. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc have weakened the belief in China’s mainstream ideology. 4. Development and modernization as the main theme and goal have diluted the confrontation among different ideologies. 5. Multi-value oriented development has impacted China’s mainstream ideology. 6. Information being networked is challenging the ability to control ideology.

Source: Qiushi, July issue, 2012
http://www.qstheory.cn/zz/zgtsshzyll/201207/t20120705_168290.htm

China’s State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT) has issued new rules to ban the dissemination of uncensored online videos and micro-films on the Internet. According to the new rules: 1) Webmasters must be responsible for censoring all online videos and micro films before broadcasting any of them; 2) Associations of Internet audio-visual programs must self-regulate their work; 3) Government administrative departments have the authority to manage all Internet entities, including issuing permits to them or closing them down .

Source: China Review News, July 9, 2012
http://www.zhgpl.com/doc/1021/6/3/2/102163256.html?coluid=45&kindid=0&docid=102163256&mdate=0709220610

On July 1, 2012, in memory of the 91st anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party, the U.S. based Hontoot Company and over one hundred Chinese media co-hosted the “Red Cultural Education” activities in Shaoshan, Hunan Province, the birth place of Ma Zedong. The programs included an oath swearing ceremony for new party members; a tour of Mao’s birth place; watching a patriotic dance and music show; a visit to the Memorial Hall of Liu Shaoqi, the formal President of China (from 1959 to 1968); wearing a red army uniform, singing red army songs, eating red army meals; and forums on how the red culture can impact socialistic core values.

According to Mr. Shen, President of U.S. based Hontoot Company, the Hontoot Company is a business entity devoted to the promotion of Chinese Red Tourism; it also specializes in the electronics field. The company’s mission is to promote China through red culture and red resources. The company’s founder believes that “in order for the world to know China, it should start with red culture and revisit and experience the journey of the Long March taken by the Red Army.” Mr. Shen told the media, "Through these red cultural programs, the volunteers can learn the red cultural spirit and receive a patriotic education."

Source: Guangming Daily, July 2, 2012
http://culture.gmw.cn/2012-07/02/content_4462321.htm