Before and after returning to the motherland, Hong Kong has had no systematic patriotic education and some young people have been misled, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Carrie Lam said at a forum on Saturday, noting that they would confidently promote patriotic education in Hong Kong.
Previously, national education had been stigmatized by people with ulterior motives and the media, which had undermined students’ sense of national identity and led to serious consequences, Lam said at the forum on Hong Kong’s patriotic education on Saturday.
She said that in recent years, some people with malicious intentions together with foreign forces used the complicated social and political situation in Hong Kong to purposely mislead young people and radicalize their minds, even encouraging extreme activities.
From the past until now, loving one’s country is a matter of fact and betraying the country has been seen as a severe crime. “Therefore, we need to work together to confidently push patriotic education in Hong Kong, promote the spirit of patriotism and re-establish young people’s values,” said Lam.
Speaking at the same forum, the Deputy Director of Beijing’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong, Tan Tie-niu, said the Hong Kong government should take the lead and establish a system to promote patriotic education, while schools should make sure patriotism penetrates the whole education process.
Lam noted that more action would be taken in the new semester to promote patriotic education, including learning Chinese culture and letting students know more about China’s history and development to build up their national identity; strengthening studies on law and organizing patriotic activities.
“Let us remember that the hope of our country is embodied by young people and the Chinese people’s future is in young people. Let’s cultivate young people in Hong Kong as a positive force to realize the rejuvenation of the country, and long-term prosperity of our city,” said Lam.
Aerial photo taken on March 6, 2021 shows citizens displaying China’s national flag and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in support of implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” at Tamar Park in Hong Kong, south China.Photo:Xinhua
