Opinion | How patriotic education can help Hong Kong youth embrace the national security law
- Young people will still have critical thinking and freedom of expression, but within reasonable boundaries and with a proper understanding of China
- Having a better understanding of Chinese identity and history will help students improve their lives and find opportunities on the mainland
Education is without doubt a pillar in a country’s long-term progress and national strength. In this technology- and innovation-driven era, a sound education system is critical to enhancing every country’s economic and technological competitiveness. Likewise, education plays a role in protecting a country’s national security.
Many attribute the series of illegal activities, anti-government protests, riots, social unrest and terrorist threats since 2012 to the absence of national security education in Hong Kong. The disorder and mayhem destabilise Hong Kong society, undermine China’s security and challenge its sovereignty.
A systematic and well-designed national security education curriculum could help students better understand the importance of protecting the country’s sovereignty and abiding by national security laws. This way, they will not be misled into participating in acts against the central government, China’s territorial integrity or “one country, two systems.”
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