The Chinese paradox

In China, the best way to teach new recruits how to stand straight and look ahead is to accustom the soldiers to wear a cross in back for a while.

In a country that continues to persecute Christians and to restrict religious and civil liberties of the people, the cross is still the first task and lesson that people entered in the military service learn to uphold.

This photo was taken in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province in eastern coast of China. The journalists of the Le Figaro newspaper – who popularized in the West this picture – said:

“For them it is impossible to totter. They should stand upright. And to guarantee the success of the workout, these soldiers in training (…) bear a wooden cross in the back, ensuring their flawless attire. Every year there are several participants in such a strict exercise, its purpose being the best possible preparing of the new recruits for the rigors of the profession”.

Pro Jesus’ sources:

Gou guangjie – Imaginechina, published in Le Figaro, November 14, 2011