Editorial | Hong Kong on path to meeting national obligations while staying unique
- Even without having to amend local legislation, the city seems to be heading in the right direction to align with the central government’s planned national education law
Patriotic education is nothing new. Classrooms around the world, including in many Western countries, have long incorporated lessons meant to foster affection and pride for a nation as well as a shared identity. Many pupils in US public schools, for example, start the day reciting a pledge of allegiance.
Given the range of views in most societies, it is no surprise that such content prompts debate. Hong Kong is no exception, especially as the city considers how it will align with China’s planned national education law.
The central government’s measure will apply to internet users, schoolchildren and overseas Chinese according to a draft measure submitted on June 26 for review by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC). The law will reportedly include provisions on activities such as raising the national flag, singing the country’s anthem and reciting constitutional oaths.
Hong Kong will not be legally required to enforce the new law, according to the city’s sole NPC Standing Committee delegate Starry Lee Wai-king, who said on June 27 that local authorities should press ahead with work to put patriotic education in place.
Some of the debate focuses on Article 18 of the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution. Article 18 states that national laws shall not apply in the city unless listed in Annex III of the Basic Law. Even when passed the bill would not have to be added to Annex III, Lee said.