Hong Kong schools criticized for singing anthem too softly

Hong Kong officials have identified at least two schools for not singing the Chinese national anthem with sufficient volume and enthusiasm. A third school has been advised to encourage students to develop confidence in singing the anthem.

Since China’s crackdown on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement in 2020, the city has intensified its focus on patriotic education. The Hong Kong and Macau Lutheran Church Primary School was criticized for students’ “soft and weak” singing, which officials said needs improvement. Similarly, Yan Chai Hospital Lim Por Yen Secondary School was instructed to help students sing the national anthem loudly and in unison.

These critiques were part of reports released by the city’s education bureau following inspections of primary and secondary schools, which included interviews with staff and parents. Among the 20 schools inspected, six were advised to bolster their patriotic education curricula.

The reports also commended some schools for organizing trips to mainland China and fostering students’ confidence in raising the national flag. In January, Hong Kong enacted a law mandating schools and companies to include patriotic education, which is intended to promote the leadership and ideology of the Chinese Communist Party.

Beijing states that the law aims to unify thoughts and strengthen the country. However, critics argue that it signals the erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy. Since 2020, many opposition lawmakers and democracy activists have been imprisoned under a national security law that criminalizes dissent. Despite international criticism, Beijing maintains that the law is crucial for stability.

Patriotism has increasingly become synonymous with China’s control over Hong Kong. The electoral system was overhauled to exclude individuals deemed unpatriotic from political office. Recently, the city banned “Glory to Hong Kong,” an unofficial anthem associated with the protest movement, citing its potential for sedition.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, announced the establishment of a government committee to help the younger generation appreciate Chinese culture and history. This initiative is part of the broader campaign to integrate patriotic education into the school curriculum.

In November last year, the education bureau introduced a new subject for students as young as eight to learn about the Beijing-enacted security law, Chinese culture, and history aligned with the Communist Party’s vision. A bureau circular emphasized the importance of students understanding Hong Kong’s advantageous position due to strong support from the mainland and its global connections, aiming to build cultural confidence.

Additionally, the bureau has urged parents to collaborate with schools to educate their children on the importance of safeguarding national security and enhancing their national identity and pride.