# civil–military relations

China’s 2026 Military New Year Gala Repackages ‘Unchanging’ Soldierly Spirit for a New Audience

China’s 2026 military Spring Festival Gala used music and staged scenes to highlight a continuous ‘military DNA’ and reinforce themes of sacrifice and loyalty. Presented during the Lunar New Year by state military media, the gala functions as a cultural tool to boost troop morale and shape public perceptions of the PLA.