Why Chinese students have to start the academic year with a short spell of military service
A two-week spell in fatigues is an annual rite of passage for young Chinese, but it sometimes brings controversy in its wake
Every year in September, images of Chinese students from secondary schools and universities dressed in military uniforms marching in formation flood the internet.
They are the result of a Chinese rite of passage: a week or two of military service to mark the start of the academic year.
However, with equal predictability, an annual slew of controversies emerge – with students being injured, mistreated or even killed during the training, prompting critics to question whether the exercise is really necessary.
Some critics argue that the training is of little practical benefit and only a proper stint in the army can teach young people useful military skills.
But others say the programmes instil necessary discipline and perseverance in young Chinese.
What’s the danger?
This year’s most serious incident involved the death of a 15-year-old boy studying at Nanjing Technician College at the end of August.