National flag of the People's Republic of China

National flag of the People's Republic of China. The national flag of the People's Republic of China, commonly known as the Five-star Red Flag, is a red rectangular field featuring five golden stars in its upper hoist canton. Adopted by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on 27 September 1949, the flag symbolizes the unity of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Its design and use are governed by strict protocols enshrined in the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Law on the National Flag.

Design and symbolism

The flag's design consists of a solid red field with five five-pointed golden stars. One large star is positioned on the left, with four smaller stars arranged in a crescent arc to its right. The red background represents the Chinese Revolution and the blood shed by revolutionary martyrs, including those from events like the Nanchang Uprising and the Long March. The large star symbolizes the Communist Party of China, while the four smaller stars represent the four social classes—the working class, the peasantry, the urban petite bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie—united around the party as conceptualized during the early years of the PRC. This symbolism is officially articulated in documents from the First National Committee of the CPPCC. The geometric relationship and placement of the stars are precisely defined, with their points aligned to highlight unity, a design principle credited to Zeng Liansong.

History

The current flag was selected from nearly 3,000 design submissions following the victory of the Communist Party of China in the Chinese Civil War. The design by Zeng Liansong, a citizen from Wenzhou, Zhejiang, was modified from its original submission—which included a hammer and sickle—and officially ratified on 27 September 1949 by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, chaired by Mao Zedong. It was first hoisted publicly in Tiananmen Square on 1 October 1949 during the proclamation of the PRC by Mao Zedong. The flag replaced previous national symbols such as the flag of the Republic of China. Its history is intertwined with key moments in modern Chinese history, including its display during the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, its raising upon the handover of Hong Kong and Macau, and its use in diplomatic missions like the United Nations.

Protocol and use

The display and use of the national flag are strictly regulated by the Law on the National Flag, passed by the National People's Congress. It must be raised daily at Tiananmen Square, government buildings including the Great Hall of the People, ports, and diplomatic missions such as embassies and consulates. The flag is hoisted at half-mast to mark the death of major state figures, as occurred for Deng Xiaoping and during national mourning events like the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. It is prominently featured during national holidays like National Day and military parades. Desecration of the flag is a criminal offense. Protocol dictates it always be displayed higher than other flags within China, except at venues of international organizations like the United Nations.

Manufacture and standards

Manufacturing specifications are detailed in the national standard GB 12982-2004, issued by the Standardization Administration of China. The exact shades of red and yellow are defined using the CIE color space and Pantone Matching System. Official flag producers are designated by provincial-level governments, with major manufacturers often located in cities like Hangzhou and Shaoxing. The material, typically durable nylon or polyester, and the precise dimensions of the stars and their arrangement are subject to rigorous quality control inspections. These standards ensure uniformity for all official uses, from schools and the People's Liberation Army to sporting events at venues like the Beijing National Stadium.

Related flags

Several flags are derived from or share elements with the national flag. The Flag of the Chinese Communist Party features the same golden hammer and sickle on a red field. The flags of the People's Liberation Army and its branches, such as the People's Liberation Army Ground Force and the People's Liberation Army Navy, incorporate the five-star motif. The Regional flag of Hong Kong and the Regional flag of Macau each display a stylized five-star design alongside their local emblems. Historically, the flag of the Republic of China (now used in Taiwan) is a distinct symbol. The national flag also inspired the design of flags for organizations like the All-China Federation of Trade Unions.

China Category:National symbols of the People's Republic of China Category:Flags introduced in 1949