Historical nihilism

Historical nihilism is a term used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and some scholars in China to describe research, discussions, or viewpoints deemed to contradict an official state version of history in a manner perceived to question or challenge the legitimacy of the CCP. The CCP opposes historical interpretations that are critical of the People's Liberation Army, socialism, and their views regarding the Opium Wars, Boxer Rebellion, Japanese war crimes and related topics. Viewpoints that the state judges to be historical nihilism are subject to censorship and those expressing them subject to legal prosecution. In a January 2013 speech, CCP general secretary Xi Jinping described "hostile forces" as using historical nihilism to weaken the party's rule by smearing its history. In early 2021, Xi increased efforts to promote a "correct outlook on history" ahead of the 100th Anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, including opening a telephone hotline and website for citizens to report people who engage in acts of historical nihilism.