Recently, netizens revealed that on the eve of the National Day holiday in China, an event called “Step on the Japanese flag and get a Five-Star flag” was held in a square in Nanning, Guangxi, sparking heated discussion online.
On October 1st, a video circulated on the overseas social platform X claiming that on the night of September 30th, a man in Nanning was giving away Five-Star flags for free in a square, but citizens had to step on the Japanese flag on the ground before receiving one.
The video showed two men distributing the flags, with one of them calling out, “Japan surrendered, remember? Come on, step on the Japanese flag, get a Chinese flag as a gift, come over quickly, stomp on it…” Many people participated in the event, including teenagers and children.
On the 93rd anniversary of the “September 18 Incident” this year, a 10-year-old Japanese boy in Shenzhen was stabbed to death by a 44-year-old man on his way to school. This is the second attack on a Japanese person in China within three months. The incident has caused panic among Japanese people in China and sparked discussions about anti-Japanese sentiments in China.
The event has sparked discussions among netizens, with many expressing, “Extreme patriotism is just ignorance.” “China’s anti-Japan education not only exists in schools but permeates throughout China.” “This is inciting a Sino-Japanese war!” “The starting point of patriotism begins with polluted thinking.” “That’s how… foolish education roots from childhood.”
“They stepped on the wrong flag.” “The indoctrination is lacking manners; Chinese children will be taught this way in the future.” “What are they trying to achieve?”
“In their perception, the way to show support for one thing is by trampling on the existence of another. By belittling or antagonizing other countries to strengthen one’s own national identity, they create a binary opposition of either/or. This method relies on emotional manipulation, devoid of rational analysis. It reflects the powerful role of propaganda and education in shaping public sentiment. Through long-term inculcation of specific historical narratives and hostile ideologies, prejudice or hatred towards other countries is formed.”
Some netizens also questioned, “If you raise a blank sheet of paper, the police will arrest you, but where were the police during this politically charged event? Community workers?”