Commentary: Why is Beijing sensitive about clothes that ‘hurt the feelings of the Chinese nation’?

To the extent that the law may fuel nationalistic sentiments in some segments of the Chinese public, it might also create an atmosphere that is not conducive for cross-cultural and people-to-people exchanges at the society level.

Observers note that the number of international travellers to China has declined significantly, which besides China’s slow post-pandemic opening, may be partly due to worsening relations with the West. The US State Department warned Americans in late June to “reconsider travel (to China) due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions”.

At a time when Beijing is pushing for cross-cultural exchanges globally, Beijing would do well to stop domestic politics at its water’s edge as much as possible. In fact, China has shown willingness to rein in its “wolf warrior” approach to foreign policy in recent times, for instance by the removal of Mr Zhao Lijian as Chinese foreign ministry spokesman. Zhao was one of the most outspoken critics of the West.

TIMING OF PUBLIC SECURITY REFORMS

Beijing’s last amendment to the public security law took effect on Jan 1, 2013, more than a decade ago. While the exact reasons behind Beijing’s current push for new laws are ultimately unclear, it comes at a time where China is grappling with sluggish growth and worryingly high youth unemployment. Economic growth and nationalism are among two of the most examined pillars underpinning the Chinese Communist Party’s regime legitimacy.

At a time when growth is faltering, the timing of the proposed law seems to suggest an attempt to bolster the party’s credentials as a staunch defender of Chinese national pride. But, the growth of nationalistic sentiment may undermine the government’s strenuous efforts in trying to attract and retain foreign investments in China, which may add to the country’s economic challenges.

The proposed additions do not merely criminalise offending attire, but also symbols and comments. Taking a longer view then, the proposed laws reflect the orientation of China’s domestic politics in a new era, where the party is positioned as a vanguard driving China’s rejuvenation as a great nation.

Given considerable public debate and the international stakes involved, it remains to be seen whether Chinese legislators will eventually pass the law or make further amendments to engender some clarity to the proposed additions.

Tiong Wei Jie is PhD student in International Relations, and Li Mingjiang is Associate Professor and Provost’s Chair in International Relations at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU