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‘Two sessions’ 2024: China to revise defence education law to promote patriotism and support for military

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Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, delivers a work report of the NPC Standing Committee at the second plenary meeting of the second session of the 14th NPC. Photo: Xinhua
Hayley Wongin Beijing

The decision-making body of the Chinese legislature has pledged to this year advance revision of its defence education law, which mandates public awareness and education in support of the military.

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Zhao Leji, the chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), delivered the committee work report on Friday during the annual meeting of the congress.

He highlighted the revision of the National Defence Education Law as one of the legislative tasks of the year, with the aim of “modernising China’s system and capacity for national security”.

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers his first work report amid concerns about state of the economy

Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers his first work report amid concerns about state of the economy

The law, adopted in 2001, calls for defence education in a wide range of organisations – including schools, enterprises, and publication sectors – and is aimed at “promoting patriotism” and consolidating the “defence structure”.

A minor revision was made in 2018 to change the wording of an article.

Proposals relating to the amendment have not been released. But alterations could include adding the definition of “defence education” and details absent in the existing statute.

Beijing urged the public to support national defence in its tone-setting government work report this year, a call that did not appear in the report last year.

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