China to Foster National Defense Awareness among PeopleChina's legislature started Friday, December 22, to promote a newly proposed law on national defense education among people nationwide, with a view to improving their awareness of national defense.When explaining the draft law to the 19th plenary meeting of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, which opened Friday morning, Defense Minister Chi Haotian said that every citizen should learn a basic knowledge on national defense. China's national defense education will focus on patriotism, heroism and dedication to the motherland, said Chi, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC). According to the draft law, the State Council will be responsible for the education of all civilians, while the CMC will oversee the education of service men. The draft law also sets September 7 as the National Defense Education Day. China signed the humiliating Xinchou Treaty with the Western forces on September 7, 1901. Primary and middle schools, as well as colleges and universities should include the national defense education into their overall education programs. In addition, students in high schools and universities must receive military training during their campus life. Meanwhile, various newspapers, radio and television stations are urged to promote knowledge on national defense, Chi said. Nationwide museums, memorial halls, cultural organizations and other institutions should provide any convenience possible to visitors for the education. Hegemonism and power politics still exist in the world, warned Chi, citing that necessary education on national defense is extremely important for enhancing cohesion among the people. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |