I Am a Citizen of the Republic of China! A Yunnan University Student's Remark Shocks the Entire Internet

I am a citizen of the Republic of China! A Yunnan University student's remark shocks the entire internet (video)

[People News] Hello, dear viewers, and welcome to 'Hotspot Frontline.' I am Xiaokun.

During a political class at Yunnan Minzu University in China, a student unexpectedly declared, 'I am a citizen of the Republic of China,' which startled the teacher significantly, causing the student to flee in fear. The teacher then began to check the students' names and even took out his phone to snap some pictures. I have to ask, teacher, are you teaching, or are you live-streaming to the relevant authorities to 'catch someone in the act'?
Many are left wondering: why did such a simple statement provoke such a strong reaction?

The video you just watched was truly eye-opening. A political class at Yunnan Minzu University, which should ideally serve as a place for imparting knowledge and resolving doubts, instead turned into a reality show. The student blurted out, 'I am a citizen of the Republic of China,' which startled the teacher significantly, and the student quickly fled. The teacher flipped through the students' names and even took out his phone to take pictures. I have to ask, teacher, are you teaching, or are you live-streaming to the relevant authorities to 'catch someone in the act'? Many are left wondering: why did such a simple statement provoke such a strong reaction?

Classroom live broadcast room: Is the political class merely hypnotic and brainwashing?

Let’s begin by discussing this issue from the start. The video in question was shared on the overseas X platform on June 9. In the video, a student, unable to tolerate the monotony of the political class, wore headphones during the lesson, which infuriated the political teacher.

For those of you in China, who hasn’t taken a political class? Everyone knows that this subject is akin to a 'hypnotic device'.

Ideological and political education is a core part of the curriculum in China’s education system, spanning from primary schools to universities. The political class primarily assesses students' ability to memorise dry and tedious doctrines. Many teachers have devised various methods to energise their students during these classes.

Why do authorities mandate political classes from elementary school through university? According to the official line, the goal is to fulfil the so-called fundamental task of cultivating virtue and character, nurturing supporters of the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the socialist system, and aspiring to be lifelong builders and successors of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Let’s not be confused by these grandiose terms. What 'cultivating virtue and character' and 'builders of socialism' really mean, in simpler terms, is that this is a propaganda machine designed to reinforce authority. Its primary function is straightforward: to forcibly instil the 'Party's' will into the minds of every young person, blurring the lines between 'country', 'nation', and 'Party'. This is not education; it is a form of standardised cognitive control.

Many people wonder why today's college students have such a strong aversion to ideological and political courses, even reaching a point of tension. The answer is quite simple. Other subjects, such as advanced mathematics and coding, teach essential survival skills, while political courses aim to instil a sense of 'obedience to logic.'

In essence, these courses function as a carefully crafted 'brainwashing machine.' The issue is that today's youth are not the same naive individuals of the past who would simply memorise everything they were told. They are inundated with a barrage of information on their smartphones. While teachers proclaim that 'the situation is very good,' students are reading news about layoffs, salary cuts, young people opting for a 'lying flat' lifestyle, and worsening social security. The utopia presented in textbooks and the harsh realities of life are like two parallel universes!

When teachers compel students to memorise lofty slogans, they are trying to teach them the ability to 'pretend not to see the truth, even when they do.'

Why has the term 'Republic of China' become the most dangerous phrase?

Now, let's discuss that term which instantly triggers a defensive reaction from teachers—Republic of China.

Take a look at this teacher recording a video to report a student and even asking other students to testify on her behalf. Is this what we call 'cultivating virtue'? This clearly teaches students how to be ruthless informers. If this is the 'virtue' that this course seeks to instil, it is indeed a farce.

I have been contemplating why the current ideological and political system in China reacts with such reflexive fear towards these four characters. Has it really come to the point where simply hearing them prompts immediate reporting?

It is important to understand that within the current official narrative framework, the tightly interwoven logic is as follows: Taiwan is a province of China and should return to the embrace of the motherland and the Party.

Consequently, this student’s declaration of 'I am a citizen of the Republic of China' fundamentally undermines the legitimacy of the official narrative. This act challenges the Chinese Communist Party's claim to 'governing legitimacy.' It has sparked a political uproar on campus.

Why did the female teacher respond so swiftly? Why was it necessary for her to record a video? The answer lies in her sense of guilt! She recognised that she was not merely dealing with an ordinary student, but with someone who had formed an alternative narrative that diverged from the official stance through the internet. Her decision to record the video was not about fulfilling her teaching duties; it was a way to demonstrate loyalty to her superiors. She was likely thinking, 'I need to report this, or I might be the one facing consequences tomorrow, accused of inadequate classroom management or ideological shortcomings.'

How ridiculous is this! An educational environment has transformed into a venue for political judgment.

This ongoing mental strain and societal anxiety have led many to express that it is not just the students who are fatigued; adults are feeling the pressure too. High levels of work stress, insufficient sleep, and declining energy levels have become shared experiences for many.

Why do students aspire to identify as 'citizens of the Republic of China'?

Let’s delve deeper into this issue. When this student proclaimed himself a 'citizen of the Republic of China,' why did it have such a strong impact? It was essentially a challenge to the prevailing narrative, stating: 'What you say doesn’t matter; history and legal principles are here.' From the official perspective, this is akin to outright denying the Chinese Communist Party's monopoly over the historical narrative of the Chinese nation, which is their greatest fear.

Moreover, this situation highlights a significant shift in the mindset of today’s youth. The generations born after 2000 and 2005 view Taiwan not merely as a province, but as a benchmark of civilisation.

What do they envy? They envy the freedom that exists there, free from the fear of denunciation; they envy the people who don’t have to recite monotonous slogans daily; and they envy the social environment that allows for diverse voices. Let’s take a look at some comments about Taiwan on Douyin from mainland China.

Thus, when that student declared 'I am a citizen of the Republic of China,' it conveyed two key messages: first, he was protesting against the stifling control of the current regime; second, he was expressing a deep yearning for the free lifestyle that Taiwan represents through an alternative identity.

Finally, many are wondering what will happen to this student next. Will he be persuaded to withdraw, face suspension, or endure endless discussions and scrutiny? Or will he manage to escape this predicament? Please share your opinions in the comments section.

So, how can we protect these courageous children who dare to speak the truth? We should not only focus on this one student but also on every individual striving to maintain independent thought in a repressive environment. We must ensure that this child does not become an 'island' and is not quietly consumed by the system.

If the last remnants of thought on campus are reported and extinguished, what future can this land possibly have? We must not allow these young people, who seek freedom, to fade away into silence.

That concludes today’s program. If you believe that a healthy society should embrace diverse voices, please share this episode so that more people can witness this commitment. I am Xiaokun, and I look forward to seeing you in the next episode.

(‘Hotspot Frontline’)
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