National anthem played for the first time by Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong at spring reception

Beijing supporter plays down significance, but Democratic Party chairman says this shows central government wants to emphasise sovereignty

Pan-democrats quick to reject invitation by office head Wang Zhimin to next gathering

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(From left) Former Hong Kong leaders Leung Chun-ying and Tung Chee-hwa, liaison office chief Wang Zhimin and Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 10:31pm, 29 Jan 2019Updated: 8:01am, 30 Jan 2019

China’s national anthem has been played at the annual spring reception hosted by Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong for the first time, as the city prepares to implement legislation this year to make disrespecting the song a criminal offence.

Liaison office chief Wang Zhimin on Tuesday led Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and other officials in a rendition of March of the Volunteers, and invited lawmakers from across the political spectrum to attend a gathering next month.

A source familiar with the matter noted it was the first time that the office had made it a point to play the anthem and display China’s national emblem on stage.

“The office hopes to show its respect for the anthem and the emblem,” the source said. “This was just a start and it will happen more often at major events hosted by Beijing’s representatives in the city.”

Watch: Hong Kong soccer fans boo the national anthem

David Wong Yau-kar, a local deputy to the National People’s Congress, played down the significance.