Chinese lawmakers commenced discussions on Tuesday regarding a proposed revision to the Law on National Defense Education. Experts view this initiative as part of the nation’s broader strategy to bolster citizens’ awareness of national defense and to establish a more robust legal framework for advancing national defense education in contemporary times.
The draft revision was presented for its first reading during the ninth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing on Tuesday.
Comprising 39 articles across six chapters, the proposed amendments primarily aim to elucidate the guiding principles of national defense education, the organizational structure, and associated responsibilities, as outlined by NPC spokesperson Yang Heqing during a press briefing held on Friday.
Yang further elaborated that the revision entails broadening the scope of social national defense education and fortifying provisions for its support, including regulations pertaining to funding, social contributions, and the protection of cultural heritage.
Originally enacted in 2001 and subsequently revised in 2018 alongside other legislative adjustments, the Law on National Defense Education is undergoing further modification in response to the evolving national security landscape, according to Zhi Zhenfeng, a research fellow at the Institute of Law, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
While acknowledging the critical role of the current law in regulating and ensuring national defense education for all citizens, Zhi noted areas requiring adaptation to contemporary challenges. He emphasized the necessity of revising the law to better align with evolving systems, address emerging concerns, and provide a more robust legal foundation for advancing national defense education in the modern era.
Highlighting the significance of national defense security within the broader context of national security, Li Wei, a researcher and security expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, emphasized that the law revision aims to heighten citizens’ consciousness regarding safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Moreover, the proposed revisions seek to enhance the national defense education system within schools by refining its objectives, content, and methodologies. School administrators across the country have reported a noticeable emphasis on strengthening national defense education in recent years.
Wu Shengrong, director of the moral education department at Shanghai Luwan Senior High School, highlighted efforts to instill discipline, promote a diligent work ethic, and nurture patriotism among students.
Similarly, Chen Faming, vice principal responsible for moral education at Wenzhou No.22 Senior Middle School, outlined their incorporation of national defense education into the curriculum, including military training and competitions to bolster students’ awareness of national defense security.
Experts also proposed exploring themed activities to encourage greater participation in national defense education initiatives. Notably, since its inception in 2001, National Defense Education Day has been observed annually on the third Saturday of each September.