China Advances Legislation to Mandate Military Training for High School and University Students

China is advancing legislation to require basic military training for high school and university students as part of President Xi Jinping’s broader push to emphasize national security in education. Lawmakers are set to review a draft amendment to the National Defense Education Law during a meeting of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, with the bill potentially being passed by the end of the year.

The proposed changes would mandate those national educational authorities, along with local military authorities, guide marching and marksmanship drills at educational institutions. Local governments would be responsible for funding these activities. Universities that fail to comply could face criminal charges. Some schools in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Fujian province have already begun drills involving automatic rifles, rocket launchers, and armored vehicles.

President Xi’s focus on national security is driven by concerns over potential conflicts with the U.S. regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea. His administration aims to build a world-leading military, particularly in nuclear, space, and cyber capabilities. The Communist Party’s publicity department is also working to raise public awareness on defense education by promoting military-themed films and opening military facilities to the public.

In addition to military drills, the defense education association in Guangdong province is organizing speeches and an essay contest in collaboration with over 10 universities, including Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou. A special event is planned for September 18th, commemorating the anniversary of the Mukden Incident, which Japan used as a pretext for invading Manchuria in 1931.

Since 2014, Xi has promoted the concept of “holistic national security,” which extends beyond defense to include the economy, culture, technology, and other fields. To cultivate new talent, the Education Ministry introduced national security studies as an approved university major earlier this year. The program has already enrolled around 90 students at Xinjiang University of Political Science and Law, with a focus on counterterrorism, public safety management, and cyberdefense. Graduates are expected to work in public security, customs, and national security agencies.

The push for military training and national security education is partly fueled by fears that foreign spies from the U.S. and Europe could undermine the Communist Party’s control. Last year, China updated its counterespionage law to grant authorities more power to crack down on activities deemed harmful to the country’s security. Additionally, a new law that took effect in January emphasizes patriotic education, promoting national unity and reinforcing Xi’s leadership through internet messaging and cultural institutions.