Hong Kong’s government wants to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II next year, a sign that the administration of Chief Executive John Lee may further step up efforts to spread patriotic fervor among the city’s seven million residents, commentators said. “Next year is the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression,” Lee told lawmakers during his 2024 Policy Address at the Legislative Council on Wednesday. “The government will hold commemorative activities to enhance patriotism.”
The government would also launch a new program of “patriotic education” in primary and secondary schools, stepping up the teaching of Chinese history and geography “increasing patriotic historical elements in exchanges with mainland China,” Lee said. Lee’s second-in-command, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, added in a later comment: “Patriotic education is the foundation for safeguarding national security.”
He said the activities were intended “to enhance patriotic spirit.”
