Thursday 29 June 2017

Twelve socialist core values, Xizhou, China

Painted signs of a political nature are everywhere in China. This example dates from 2014, when the Communist Party of China, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, issued the "12 socialist core values" (in China it is known as the "24" because of the number of characters), as an important step in the construction of the socialist system. The slogan lists those essential values of Chinese socialism that should guide the actions of the government, society and individuals.

富强 民主 文明 和谐 自由 平等
公正 法治 爱国 敬业 诚信 友善
[Prosperity, Democracy, Civilization, Harmony, Freedom, Equality,
Justice, the Rule of Law, Patriotism, Dedication, Integrity and Friendliness]

According to the CPC, prosperity, democracy, civilization and harmony are attached to the state. Freedom, equality, justice and the rule of law should guide Chinese society. As for patriotism, dedication, integrity and friendliness, they are the responsibility of each individual.
The order is quite telling: contrary to Western democracies, where the individual comes first, China focuses first on the state, then society, and the individual comes last.

Location: Xizhou, Yunnan, China


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