Adhere to the unity of value and knowledge
In a recent address to educators at a political ideology meeting on March 18, 2019, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of uniting "value and knowledge" in education. This statement reflects China's strong commitment to cultivating its citizens through education as a national strategy. It has sparked reactions from Weibo netizens, with some expressing support for the initiative while others voicing concerns about potential restrictions on freedom of thought and expression.
14 October 2023
Xi Jinping's statement reflects his belief in the importance of not only academic knowledge but also moral guidance in education. He stressed that "political ideology courses are soul cultivation and people-cultivation" implying that understanding and adhering to the nation's political ideology should be a key part of one's upbringing, alongside traditional values such as humility and self-acceptance.
On Weibo, many users expressed support for Xi Jinping's emphasis on moral guidance in education. Commenters praised the initiative, stating that it reflects the need for a strong and united China, with one user expressing their support saying "Xi Jinping is absolutely right! Education is the country's most important issue, and cultivating people through political ideology courses is crucial for our nation's soul."
However, not all netizens were pleased with Xi Jinping's comments. Some users expressed concerns that this approach could potentially restrict freedom of thought, fearing that imposing a strict set of values on students may stifle independent thinking and creativity. One user wrote, "While the idea of soul cultivation is important, we should be careful not to limit diversity and freedom in education."
The term "Marxism" was also mentioned in Xi Jinping's speech as a defining feature for China's political ideology, reflecting the dominant role it plays in shaping the country's values and policies. This did not go unchallenged by netizens, with some users criticizing the government's strict adherence to Marxism, questioning whether it truly represents the needs and aspirations of modern China.
Overall, Xi Jinping's emphasis on uniting "value and knowledge" in education reflects a broader trend in Chinese policies towards cultivating its citizens through education. While many Weibo users have expressed support for this strategy as a way to strengthen national unity and promote moral values, others are concerned about potential limiting of freedom and diversity in thought and expression. As China continues to develop and evolve, the balance between cultivating its people and preserving individual rights will remain an important aspect of education policy and public discourse.