National People's Congress Standing Committee member Starry Lee Wai-king speaks at a press conference, sharing experience at the recently held sixth meeting of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee in Beijing, at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, Oct 26, 2023. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress said that patriotic education should be centered around safeguarding national unification and ethnic unity and enhancing awareness of the concepts of national security and defense. 

In a statement on Wednesday, a day after the Patriotic Education Law was passed by the NPCSC, the commission explained the purpose of introducing the law, which takes effect on Jan 1 and which also covers Hong Kong and Macao residents.

Hong Kong needs to coordinate the promotion of patriotic education in a bid to allow its residents to develop a natural affection for the country, Lee said  

The commission said that the history of the Chinese nation and the Communist Party of China serves a strong indicator that the nation’s destiny is interwoven with the fate of the Party and socialism.

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Patriotism is only vibrant and genuine when it combines love for the country with love for the Party and an affection for socialism, the commission said, adding that the legislation upholds the unity of these affections for country, Party and socialism, which are the fundamental political traits of modern Chinese patriotism. 

The law requires promotion of education in history, culture and on “one country, two systems”, to enhance Hong Kong and Macao residents’ patriotic spirit and sense of identity.

Policies for national reunification and relevant education will be provided for the benefit of all Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots, to guarantee the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and to resolutely oppose separatist activities regarding “Taiwan independence”, according to the law.

Various sectors in Hong Kong have expressed their support for promoting patriotic education in the city.

During a press conference on Thursday, Starry Lee Wai-king, Hong Kong member of the NPCSC, who was present when the law was passed at the sixth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC, called on various sectors and organizations in Hong Kong to proactively contribute to the promotion of patriotic education using available resources. Lee said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has a responsibility to promote patriotic education in the city, even though the law will not be directly applicable to Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong needs to coordinate the promotion of patriotic education in a bid to allow its residents to develop a natural affection for the country, Lee said. 

Also welcoming the Patriotic Education Law, Brave Chan Yung, Hong Kong lawmaker and deputy to the NPC, emphasized the legislation’s significance

Lee also took note of the city’s newly announced measures to boost patriotism in the city in the 2023 Policy Address, delivered by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Wednesday. These measures include the establishment of the new Working Group on Patriotic Education, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration. This working group aims to enhance coordination between the government and various departments to effectively promote patriotic education. 

Starry Lee also mentioned other measures outlined in the Policy Address that have been welcomed, including plans by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to establish a Chinese Culture Promotion Office. This office will spearhead programs focused on promoting Chinese culture and history. Furthermore, the government intends to set up two museums dedicated to the country and the War of Resistance to cultivate a stronger sense of national pride and patriotism among residents.

Also welcoming the Patriotic Education Law, Brave Chan Yung, Hong Kong lawmaker and deputy to the NPC, emphasized the legislation’s significance. Chan noted that it sets a clear direction for patriotic education in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s efforts to foster a strong sense of patriotism.

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Chan stressed the importance of continuously strengthening the promotion of patriotic education, particularly among the younger generation, to help them resist negative external influences and develop a healthy immunity against political unrest and divisive ideologies.