Chinese universities start ‘Xi Thought’ institutes

BEIJING — Xi Jinping Thought will now be taught, researched and promoted in universities across China, ensuring that the leader’s eponymous philosophy is implanted into students’ hearts and minds.

At least 20 universities have established research institutes for Xi’s ideology, which was enshrined in the Communist Party’s constitution during its 19th national congress this month.

The distinction places Xi on a par with Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. It means that his dogma — “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” — will become a mantra for a new generation.

According to media reports Sunday, the research institutes will not “hide in the ivory tower” but advocate the incorporation of Xi thought in all aspects of daily life. “We will gather many experts and professors to disseminate and preach Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in businesses, neighborhoods and villages,” Jiang Hongxin, head of Hunan Normal University’s newly founded Xi Thought research center, told the People’s Daily, the party mouthpiece.

Jiang’s attitude mirrors that of many institute directors, who in interviews with Chinese media over the weekend espoused a deep devotion to spreading Xi-isms.

The education ministry also released guidelines Monday for mandatory elementary and high school extracurricular programs that include activities to “foster emotional attachment to the Chinese Communist Party.”