The Criminalization of Hong Kong National Anthem Bill Ends: The Change of People’s National Identity

With the conclusion of the first conviction in Hong Kong national anthem law case, people have been discussing citizenship and national identity. This case is not only a judicial incident, but also a symbolic incident that affects the emotions and identity of the Hong Kong people. Let us explore together whether this incident has brought about a change in the national identity of the Hong Kong people.

First, let’s review the background of this case. At the beginning of this year, the Hong Kong government proposed a draft of the National Anthem Law of the People’s Republic of China, aiming to protect the dignity and authority of the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China. Under the law, anyone who sings the People’s Republic of China’s national anthem in any disrespectful manner in public will be deemed guilty of a crime and punishable by up to three years in prison. This law has been strongly opposed by the people of Hong Kong, who consider it an infringement of Hong Kong’s freedom of speech and democratic values. However, at the end of November 2022, a case suspected of violating the National Anthem Law of the People’s Republic of China finally came to an end with a conviction, and the defendant was sentenced to 3 months in prison. This case caused widespread discussion and controversy, and also made people rethink their citizenship and national identity in Hong Kong.

The conclusion of the conviction in this case marks the Hong Kong government’s implementation of the National Anthem Law of the People’s Republic of China, and also represents a re-establishment of national authority. For some, this is a reinforcement of Hong Kong’s identity and national identity, as they believe Hong Kong should respect the sovereignty and laws of the People’s Republic of China. However, for others, the conviction in this case is a departure from Hong Kong’s values ​​and a threat to Hong Kong’s identity and national identity. They believe that the implementation of this law is the Chinese government’s interference in Hong Kong’s autonomy and the destruction of Hong Kong’s special identity. Therefore, the conviction of this case also triggered the people of Hong Kong to rethink their identity.

As a special administrative region, Hong Kong has a unique historical and cultural background, as well as different laws and systems from mainland China. This gives Hong Kong people a special feeling for their identity. However, with the conviction of this case, will the people of Hong Kong still be able to maintain their special identity and identity? This is a question worth thinking about. Some believe the conviction in this case has brought about a shift in the national identity of Hong Kong people, allowing them to more strongly identify themselves as part of China. Others believe that the conviction in this case is only temporary and does not represent any change in the Hong Kong people’s identity. In any case, this case has made people rethink their own definitions of Hong Kong identity and national identity.

Finally, let us look at the impact of this case on Hong Kong society. On the one hand, the conviction of this case allows people to see the Hong Kong government’s strict implementation of the National Anthem Law of the People’s Republic of China, and also makes people more alert to the value of their freedom of speech and democracy. On the other hand, this case has also made some people worried about the erosion of the value of Hong Kong’s special identity and autonomy. In any case, this case has made people rethink their understanding and attitude towards Hong Kong society.

In summary, as the convictions of hong kong national anthem law cases come to an end, the discussion of citizenship and national identity has resurfaced. This case triggered people to rethink Hong Kong’s identity and national identity, and also made people pay more attention to the implementation of the Hong Kong government and the development of Hong Kong society. Regardless of whether this case changes the identity of the Hong Kong people, it is an important event worthy of attention and discussion. Let us look forward to the future of Hong Kong together, and hope that the people of Hong Kong can maintain their special identity and values ​​and continue to contribute to the development of Hong Kong.