China Is Not Alone In Building A New Cult Of Heroes And Martyrs

2025-07-01 12:02:14

(MENAFN- Asia Times) A tour guide competition was held in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late May. This was not some fun contest. According to Chinese state media, it was a carefully conceived effort to“attract and cultivate a group of politically firm and professionally skilled storytellers of heroes and martyrs in the new era.”

It symbolizes the ambitious and far-reaching campaign launched by the Chinese state to revive the country's pantheon of national heroes and martyrs. The aim is to unite and mobilize the nation in what the Chinese leadership sees as the crucial final phase in the quest to become a modern global superpower.

On the same day as the Wuhan competition, but 750 miles farther inland in Sichuan province, children from a kindergarten gathered with martyrs' family members to engage in traditional crafts. The official newspaper of the Chinese Communist party, the People's Daily, explained how this activity helped“pass on the torch of heroes” to young generations.

And two weeks earlier, in China's eastern province of Shandong, representatives from the official state news agency, Xinhua, attended an immersive training session on hero spirit. By coming “face to face” with heroes of the past, the trainees were able to grasp the“spirit” that had guided the extraordinary deeds of these ordinary people.

This“facing up” to past heroes increasingly takes place through digital means. Thanks to developments in AI, and with the help of universities , museums and various government units , numerous Chinese people have now been“reunited” or become“acquainted” with family members martyred decades ago.

Activities such as these have become commonplace in recent years. They are encouraged, guided and overseen by an expanding architecture of laws and regulations. There are at least two reasons why the campaign to build a new“spirit” of heroism and sacrifice requires attention beyond China-watchers.

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