In China, 爱国 (àiguó) is not just a personal feeling; it's a cornerstone of public morality and national identity, heavily emphasized in education, politics, and media. Its modern significance is deeply tied to China's history, particularly the “Century of Humiliation” (百年国耻, bǎinián guóchǐ), a period of foreign invasion and subjugation from the mid-19th to mid-20th century. Consequently, patriotism is often framed as a collective responsibility to ensure China's strength, sovereignty, and dignity on the world stage. Comparison with Western “Patriotism”: A key difference for learners to grasp is the relationship between patriotism and the government. In many Western cultures, like the United States, it is common to be a “patriot” while simultaneously criticizing the current government or its policies. Dissent can be seen as a patriotic act aimed at improving the country. In the People's Republic of China, the distinction is often blurred in official discourse. The Communist Party of China (CPC) positions itself as the sole entity capable of leading the nation to rejuvenation. Therefore, 爱国 (àiguó) is frequently presented as being synonymous with supporting the Party and the state's policies. While individuals may distinguish between the concepts privately, public expressions of “unpatriotic” sentiment are often equated with being anti-government or anti-Party, carrying significant social and political weight.
爱国 (àiguó) is a ubiquitous term used in various contexts: