The dangers of China’s fervent cyber-nationalism

A 10-year-old boy was approached the gates of a Japanese school in Shenzhen , China , when a stranger walked up and stabbed him.

The killing shocked Japan and China , and sparked a diplomatic furore.

For some, what happened is a sign of online nationalism manifesting in recent years as rising anti-foreigner rhetoric spills over into the real world.

In recent months , Chinese public figures and companies have also been castigated for being insufficiently patriotic.

Chinese state media has accused online nationalists of “making patriotism a business” The ruling party has had a hand in stoking the fire, some say.

China ’s slowing economy and a spreading social malaise have also played a role.

The Chinese government has now criminalised the “distortion and smearing [of] heroes and martyrs”.

Beijing has successfully crushed serious challenges to its authority in recent years .

The government is confident it can manage the dangers, and it means nationalism is likely to stay.

Nationalism is a mixed blessing for China ’s leaders,’ says Professor Schneider .