Key Facts
• New amendment to China’s Public Security Administration Punishments Law effective today.
• Prohibits wearing apparel that glorifies aggressive war in public places.
• Aggressive war refers to the Sino-Japanese War, implicating former Japanese military uniforms.
• Violations punishable by 10 to 15 days detention and fines up to approximately 100,000 yen.
• Initial clause banning clothing harming the Chinese national spirit was removed due to vagueness concerns.
• Specific types of prohibited apparel are not clearly defined in the law.
• Foreign nationals are also subject to the law, with possible deportation.
• Past incidents include women detained for 5 days for wearing former Japanese military uniforms while dining.
• Six youths detained for posting a video of a groom wearing similar attire at a wedding.
Summary
China has implemented a revised Public Security Administration Punishments Law banning the public wearing of clothing that glorifies aggressive war, specifically targeting symbols related to the Sino-Japanese War such as former Japanese military uniforms. The law imposes detention from 10 to 15 days and fines up to about 100,000 yen. Although an earlier provision criminalizing clothing that damages the Chinese national spirit was removed due to concerns over vague wording and potential abuse, the current law still lacks clear definitions of prohibited apparel. Foreigners are also liable under this law, with deportation as a possible consequence. Recent enforcement actions include detaining individuals for wearing such uniforms publicly and sharing related videos online, reflecting China’s strict stance on historical memory and public order.
