China to test journalists on loyalty to Xi Jinping to get credentials renewed

Chinese journalists will now be required to pass a test that evaluates their understanding of Xi Jinping Thought, the socialist text created by the Chinese leader, to keep their press credentials.

More than a dozen state-owned media organizations in China received a notice from the country’s media regulator, prompting journalists of the organizations to prepare for the test, which will be administered in October.

According to Media Reform, an independent news account on WeChat, the test will consist of five sections. A couple of the sections will center around Xi’s teachings on socialism and his “important thoughts on propaganda.”{mosads}

As it stands, China is already one of the worst countries for journalists to operate. Reporters Without Borders ranked the country 177th out of 180 countries earlier this year. The only countries below China in the rankings were Eritrea and North Korea.

Although the test is not expected to be difficult, journalists who fail will only be able to retake the exam once.