China uses virtual reality to test the loyalty of party members

In the fight against dissidence and corruption, the Chinese government is trying out unusual methods. Party members in the cities of Qingyang and Binzhou were subjected to a loyalty test - in virtual reality.

The party members were tested for their "dangxing" (party spirit). Dangxing tests are intended to reveal the political aptitude and willingness of the interviewee to serve the Chinese people and the party.

According to the Chinese daily newspaper Global Times party members had to enter a virtual room with VR glasses and a controller and answer almost 30 questions. The questionnaire centred on party theory, the political lifestyle of party members and the "pioneering role" of the party. For example, participants were asked whether they feared disadvantages in the event of non-corrupt behaviour. The correct answer out of five possible was: "No". Those who showed "weaknesses" in the test received counselling from experts at the respective party school, according to the report.

Expensive test balloon

It is not clear from the announcement what advantages VR tests have over oral interviews. It is possible that those responsible for the project are looking for ways to automate the interviews. As part of the government's anti-corruption campaign launched in 2012 according to Wikipedia investigated over one million suspected cases and initiated disciplinary or criminal proceedings against 187,000 party functionaries.

Immersive VR apps could be used to conduct automated surveys without having to forego realistic or at least realistic-looking framework conditions.

The VR test facility was put into operation in April 2018 and cost more than 100,000 US dollars, according to the Global Times. Cai Zhiqiang, professor at the Beijing Party Central Committee, is critical: the VR tests need a scientific basis in order to deliver reliable test results. In addition, local economic conditions must be taken into account to ensure that it is not a waste of money.

The Chinese government is investing large sums in virtual reality: it is building its own city for VR companies in order to promote the domestic industry. In the new industrial zone called "Beidouwan VR Town", they wanted to accommodate around 50 VR companies, at least according to reports from last year. And just recently, a new VR amusement park openswhich cost 470 million US dollars to build.

Source: VRODO