Why embracing China is a unique lesson

Patriotic education has always been a key focus in Hong Kong’s educational system, dating back to the time of Tung Chee-hwa, the city’s first chief executive. Subsequent leaders like Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and Leung Chun-ying also made efforts to integrate national values into the curriculum through initiatives like moral and national education.

However, the implementation of national education faced strong opposition from the community, leading to its shelving in 2012. Despite this setback, the emphasis on patriotic education has resurfaced in recent years, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen Chinese influence in the region.

The passing of a patriotic education law by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee in 2023 further underscores this commitment. While not officially part of Hong Kong’s Basic Law, the implications of this legislation are significant and will likely shape the city’s educational landscape moving forward.