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Rock ’n’ roll, internet are potential Western ‘colour revolution’ traps: Chinese textbook

New college textbook draws on speeches of President Xi Jinping in Beijing’s latest move to tighten ideological control and national security

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Under President Xi Jinping, China has stepped up national security education as a defence against what it calls infiltration by Western forces among Chinese youth. Photo: AFP

Rock ’n’ roll, pop music and the internet are Western vices that can be used to sow the seeds of “colour revolution” among Chinese youth, according to China’s latest college textbook on national security.

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The textbook, which was officially launched last week, represents the latest move from Beijing to strengthen ideological control and promote national security among young Chinese.

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Xi Jinping Thought to be introduced in China’s classrooms

Xi Jinping Thought to be introduced in China’s classrooms
The book, National Security Education Readier for College Students, will be used in the foundational course on national security education in universities, according to Community Party mouthpiece People’s Daily.

According to the book, university students must remain vigilant against Western popular culture and beware of “colour revolution” traps when surfing online.

“Colour revolution” is Beijing’s code for subversion instigated by Western powers, and their attempts to infiltrate various sectors of society and fuel unrest with the purpose of overthrowing the ruling establishment.

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“The internet is a key channel of communication; popular culture like pop and rock music are often used as covers for [colour revolution],” the textbook warns.

It cites the 2010 Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia and the Arab spring movement that followed as examples of colour revolutions, arguing that these movements led to national turmoil.

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