National security law: let students learn history with focus on territorial integrity, Hong Kong schools told under new guidelines
- Syllabus framework released by Education Bureau for Chinese history and related subjects also suggests patriotic song sessions and mainland trips
- Examples cited include the unification of China under the Qin emperor, and the opium wars of the 19th century
Hong Kong students should learn about history with a new emphasis on national security and territorial integrity, according to fresh guidelines issued by education authorities.
Under the latest directive handed to schools, topics covered will include previous subject matter such as the unification of China under the Qin emperor (259-210 BC) and the opium wars in the 19th century, but with a focus on how such events highlighted the importance of national security.
The new syllabus framework released by the Education Bureau on Wednesday for Chinese history and related subjects also recommended that schools hold activities such as appreciation sessions for patriotic songs on the Sino-Japanese War between 1937 and 1945, as well as organised trips to the mainland to learn about the country’s developments.
Under the national security law, which came into effect last June and targets acts of subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, Hong Kong schools and universities are required to promote national security education on campus.
Education officials in early February released detailed guidelines about national security for schools, covering aspects from management to pupils’ behaviour, which suggested children as young as six should learn about the four offences under the law.
