Hong Kong soccer fans vow to defy new Chinese law on national anthem
Some questioned the practicality of legislation and how it would be enforced
“I won’t stand up [when the national anthem is played ahead of a soccer match], because I do not have a sense of belonging [to China],” 24-year-old editor Ricky Wong Ka-ki said.
Speaking after an annual soccer match between Hong Kong and Macau, Wong said he would continue to be defiant even after the law was passed in Hong Kong.
Explainer: what will China’s national anthem law mean for Hong Kong?
The mainland law, which was passed by the National People’s Congress on Friday, requires attendees to stand up at events where the anthem is played, and remain solemn for the song. It also bars the use of the anthem, March of the Volunteers, in commercial advertisements or at private memorial services.
Offenders in mainland China could face 15 days in police detention. Violations could also be dealt with under other laws.
Wong said he believed the law would be “impractical” as it would be difficult to define what counted as a breach of solemnity.
“You can’t force people to identify with you,” he said. “I think it’s very unreasonable to force Hongkongers to be patriotic.”
The Hong Kong-Macau Interport – an annual association soccer match – at Sham Shui Po Sports Ground did not play the anthem before the match, which saw the home team win 4 goals to 0.