Strengthen Patriotic Education in the New Era, Gather the Mighty Force for Chinese-Path Modernization

General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out that patriotism is the core of our national spirit and the spiritual bond that unites the Chinese nation in struggle and unremitting self-improvement. The *Patriotic Education Law of the People’s Republic of China*, which came into effect on January 1, 2024, further guarantees, through the rule of law, the broad, deep, enduring, and effective conduct of patriotic education in the New Era. It is of great practical significance and far-reaching positive impact for gathering the mighty force to build a modern socialist country in all respects and to advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

习近平总书记指出，爱国主义是我们民族精神的核心，是中华民族团结奋斗、自强不息的精神纽带。2024年1月1日起施行的《中华人民共和国爱国主义教育法》，进一步用法治方式保障了新时代爱国主义教育的广泛深入持久有效开展，对于凝聚全面建设社会主义现代化国家、全面推进中华民族伟大复兴的磅礴伟力具有重大现实意义和深远积极影响。

I. The Spirit of Patriotism Is Passed Down from Generation to Generation

一、爱国主义精神代代相传

The Chinese nation, having endured five thousand years of history down to the present day, possesses an unbroken historical and cultural tradition. This has forged a profound spiritual pursuit of patriotism, sustained the unity of all ethnic groups across the land of China, and inspired generation after generation of Chinese sons and daughters to strive unremittingly for the country’s development and prosperity. Since the Opium War of 1840, the country suffered humiliation, the people endured hardship, and its civilization was covered in dust; the Chinese nation experienced unprecedented calamities. At the critical juncture of national peril, the Communist Party of China shouldered the historical burden of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The Chinese people, filled with intense patriotic sentiment, repelled foreign invaders, fought for liberation, and saved China, thoroughly reversing the course of modern Chinese history. They created the great achievements of reform and opening up and socialist modernization, realized the First Centenary Goal, and are now marching toward the Second Centenary Goal, advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization.

中华民族历经五千年的岁月延续至今，具有生生不息的历史文化传统，熔铸了深厚的爱国主义精神追求，维系着华夏大地上各个民族的团结统一，激励着一代又一代中华儿女为祖国发展繁荣而不懈奋斗。1840年鸦片战争以来，国家蒙辱、人民蒙难、文明蒙尘，中华民族遭受了前所未有的劫难。在民族危亡的紧要关头，中国共产党肩扛中华民族伟大复兴的历史重担，中国人民满含强烈的爱国主义情怀，御外敌、求解放、救中华，彻底扭转了近代以来中华民族的历史进程，创造了改革开放和社会主义现代化建设的伟大成就，实现了第一个百年奋斗目标，正向第二个百年奋斗目标进军，以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴。

The May Fourth Patriotic Movement was an epoch-making milestone in modern Chinese history. Under the banner of the spirit of patriotism, a large number of progressive youth took the lead, inspiring the Chinese people with mighty force—national awakening, national salvation, one generation after another stepping forward, a heroic and stirring song. The May Fourth spirit of patriotism, progress, democracy, and science, like spring thunderclaps, propelled the Chinese nation to advance courageously and stand tall among the nations of the world.

五四爱国运动是中国近现代史上划时代的里程碑，在爱国主义精神旗帜下，一大批先进青年作先锋，以磅礴之力鼓舞中国人民，民族觉醒，救亡图存，前赴后继，浩气壮歌。爱国、进步、民主、科学的五四精神如阵阵春雷，推动中华民族勇毅前行、屹立于世界民族之林。

Historical experience has proven that modern Chinese history is a history of the Chinese people’s patriotic struggle, and patriotism is the most precious spiritual wealth in the history of the Chinese nation’s development. We must pass on the genes, carry forward the glory, and better uphold and develop the great spirit of patriotism.

历史的经验已经证明，中国近现代史是中国人民爱国主义的奋斗史，爱国主义是中华民族发展史上最宝贵的精神财富。我们必须传承基因、赓续荣光，更好地坚持和发扬伟大的爱国主义精神。

II. Strengthening Patriotic Education in the New Era Is of Great Significance

二、加强新时代爱国主义教育意义重大

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping has attached great importance to patriotic education, delivering a series of important expositions and issuing a series of important instructions and directives on promoting the spirit of patriotism and conducting patriotic education. General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly pointed out: “Realizing the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the distinct theme of contemporary Chinese patriotism.” Currently, China is at the historical juncture of the “two overall situations”—the strategic overall situation of achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the changes unseen in a century in the world. The domestic development environment is constantly changing amid profound adjustments. Ideological confusion and value conflicts have become new challenges and new propositions that must be faced. Patriotic education also faces unprecedented major tests and high demands. Using the spirit of patriotism to build the spiritual world of youth and enhance their ambition, backbone, and confidence is an especially important and more urgent requirement of the times.

党的十八大以来，习近平总书记高度重视爱国主义教育，就弘扬爱国主义精神、开展爱国主义教育发表一系列重要论述，作出一系列重要指示批示。习近平总书记深刻指出：“实现中华民族伟大复兴的中国梦，是当代中国爱国主义的鲜明主题。”当前，我国正处于实现中华民族伟大复兴的战略全局和世界百年未有之大变局这“两个大局”的历史关头，国内发展环境在深刻调整中不断变化，思想困惑与价值冲突已经成为必须面对的新挑战、新命题，爱国主义教育也面临前所未有的大考验、高要求，以爱国主义精神抓好青年精神世界建设，增强青年志气、骨气、底气是尤为重要、更为迫切的时代要求。

To conduct patriotic education in the New Era, we must grasp the overall requirements and methods of patriotic education with a systematic perspective, ensuring that the conduct of patriotic education is deepened, made concrete, and achieves results. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that we should deepen research on patriotic education and the interpretation of the spirit of patriotism, continuously enrich educational content, innovate educational carriers, and enhance educational effectiveness. The Communist Youth League, as the bridge and纽带 linking the Party with youth, must proactively undertake the cause of educating, cultivating, and mobilizing the younger generation, listen to the voices of youth, grasp their characteristics, understand their needs, thoughts, and aspirations, actively explore innovative paths for patriotic education in the New Era, and promote the high-quality conduct of patriotic education in the New Era.

开展新时代爱国主义教育，要以系统观念把握爱国主义教育的总体要求、方式方法，确保爱国主义教育开展走深走实见效。习近平总书记指出，要深化爱国主义教育研究和爱国主义精神阐释，不断丰富教育内容、创新教育载体、增强教育效果。共青团作为党联系青年的桥梁和纽带，要主动承担好教育、培养和发动青年一代的事业，聆听青年心声、把握青年特点、摸透青年所需所想所盼，积极探索新时代爱国主义教育的创新路径，推动新时代爱国主义教育高质量开展。

III. Use the Spirit of Patriotism to Inspire Youth to Continue the Struggle

三、以爱国主义精神激励青年赓续奋斗

The Communist Youth League in colleges and universities, as the Party’s assistant and reserve force, must earnestly shoulder the mission of ensuring that the red river and mountains have successors and of continuing the struggle for national rejuvenation. It should extensively conduct patriotic education, unite and lead the vast number of youth to fully engage in the great journey of Chinese-path modernization.

高校共青团作为党的助手和后备军，要切实担负起红色江山后继有人、为民族复兴接续奋斗的使命，广泛开展爱国主义教育，团结带领广大青年全面投身中国式现代化建设伟大征程。

Grasp the inherent mighty force of patriotic education in the New Era, guide youth to establish lofty ideals and love their great motherland. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Only by adhering to the unity of love for the country, love for the Party, and love for socialism can patriotism be vivid and real; this is the most important manifestation of the contemporary Chinese spirit of patriotism.” The Communist Youth League in colleges and universities must persist in taking “studying the thought” as the primary task throughout the entire process, build a comprehensive and supporting teaching system, do a good job of “youth-oriented” interpretation of the development achievements of the New Era, and promote the spirit of patriotism in the New Era to enter the mind and heart. The Communist Youth League of Peking University has built an education model combining “teacher instruction” and “youth preaching,” creating the *Introduction to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era* as the first gold course in ideological and political education at Peking University, thoroughly explaining the core essence and theoretical character of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and effectively enhancing the dissemination power and influence of Communist Youth League patriotic education.

把握新时代爱国主义教育的内蕴伟力，引领青年树立远大理想，热爱伟大祖国。习近平总书记指出：“只有坚持爱国和爱党、爱社会主义相统一，爱国主义才是鲜活的、真实的，这是当代中国爱国主义精神最重要的体现。”高校共青团要坚持把“学思想”作为首要任务贯穿始终，搭建全面配套的教学体系，做好新时代发展成就的“青年化”阐释，推动新时代爱国主义精神入脑入心。北大共青团搭建“教师授课”与“青年宣讲”相结合的育人模式，打造《习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想概论》这一北大思政教育第一金课，把习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的核心要义、理论品格讲深讲透，切实增强共青团爱国主义教育的传播力和影响力。

Enrich the forms of activities for patriotic education in the New Era, unite youth to cultivate excellent skills and temper moral character. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that efforts must be made to cultivate patriotic feelings, let the spirit of patriotism take firm root in students’ hearts, educate and guide students to love and support the Communist Party of China, aspire to listen to the Party and follow the Party, and aspire to take root among the people and dedicate themselves to the country. The Communist Youth League in colleges and universities should adopt multiple methods, arrange various types of occasions, explore practical carriers that youth find appealing, and comprehensively conduct patriotic education through activity forms that youth are enthusiastic about participating in. The Communist Youth League of Peking University combines patriotic education with major holidays and commemorative days such as the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Victory Day, the Party Founding Day, and National Day, organizing diverse and appropriate patriotic education activities such as the May Fourth Song Festival, the Youth Long-Distance Run, and the Youth Poetry Festival—moistening things silently, educating people without trace—continuously consolidating youth’s cultural identity and cohesion.

丰富新时代爱国主义教育的活动形式，团结青年练就过硬本领，锤炼品德修为。习近平总书记强调，要在厚植爱国主义情怀上下功夫，让爱国主义精神在学生心中牢牢扎根，教育引导学生热爱和拥护中国共产党，立志听党话、跟党走，立志扎根人民、奉献国家。高校共青团要采用多种方式、布局多类场合，挖掘青年喜闻乐见的实践载体，通过青年热衷参与的活动形式，全面开展爱国主义教育。北大共青团将爱国主义教育与中国人民抗战胜利纪念日、建党节、国庆节等重大节日纪念日相结合，组织开展五四歌会、青春长跑活动、青春诗会等形式多样、丰富适宜的爱国主义教育活动，润物无声、育人无形，不断夯实青年的文化认同感和凝聚力。

Adhere to the fundamental orientation of patriotic education in the New Era, escort youth to shoulder the responsibilities of the times and bravely temper themselves through struggle. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that patriotism cannot stop at slogans; rather, one must closely link one’s own ideals with the future of the motherland, and one’s own life with the destiny of the nation, take root among the people, and dedicate oneself to the country. The Communist Youth League in colleges and universities should proactively create opportunities and build platforms for youth, combine ideological baptism with practical tempering, expand the fundamental path for cultivating patriotic feelings, and guide youth to closely connect their own ideals with the future of the motherland and their own lives with the destiny of the nation, realizing social value through making contributions and achievements. The Communist Youth League of Peking University has called upon and organized league members and youth to voluntarily participate in major tasks such as epidemic prevention and control and Winter Olympics volunteering, contributing to society through volunteer service and dedicating their youth where the Party and the people need them.

坚持新时代爱国主义教育的根本导向，护航青年担当时代责任，勇于砥砺奋斗。习近平总书记强调，爱国，不能停留在口号上，而是要把自己的理想同祖国的前途、把自己的人生同民族的命运紧密联系在一起，扎根人民，奉献国家。高校共青团要主动为青年创造机会、搭建平台，将思想洗礼与实践锻造相结合，拓展厚植爱国情怀的根本途径，引领青年把自己的理想同祖国的前途、把自己的人生同民族的命运紧密相连，在建功立业中实现社会价值。北大共青团号召并组织团员青年自愿参与疫情防控、冬奥志愿等重大工作，在志愿服务中奉献社会，在党和人民需要的地方奉献青春。

Patriotic education is a systemic project that consolidates the foundation, cultivates the root, gathers hearts, and forges the soul. How Chinese youth understand and practice the spirit of patriotism bears on the great cause of the country’s reform and development and the great struggle of the people to make history, bears on the realization of the Second Centenary Goal, and bears on advancing Chinese-path modernization, which is the biggest political task. The Communist Youth League must adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, stand at the strategic height of ensuring that the red river and mountains have successors, promote the firm rooting of the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of youth, focus on cultivating new generations capable of shouldering the mission of national rejuvenation, and contribute strength to the great journey of Chinese-path modernization.

爱国主义教育是一项固本培元、凝心铸魂的系统工程。中国青年如何理解和践行爱国主义精神，事关祖国改革发展的伟大事业和人民创造历史的伟大奋斗，事关第二个百年奋斗目标的实现，事关推进中国式现代化这一最大的政治。共青团要坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，站在红色江山后继有人的战略高度，推动爱国主义精神在青年心中牢牢扎根，着力培养担当民族复兴大任的时代新人，为中国式现代化建设伟大征程贡献力量。

(The author is Secretary of the Communist Youth League Committee of Peking University)

（作者系北京大学团委书记）

Online editor: Zhang Jian

网络编辑：张剑