National Anthem Law legislation matter of course

The past 100 years or so of the Chinese nation can be described as full of twists and turns, as well as fantastic. The turmoil caused by World War II, specifically the Japanese aggression, made the Chinese nation suffer deeply. Multiple cities controlled by foreign powers as concessions were trampled and plundered by imperialists and colonists. This plight and desire to end it for the Chinese nation is summed up in the March of the Volunteers, which was written during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Its powerful lyrics and uplifting melody expressed patriotism and determination to defeat imperialism burning in the Chinese people’s hearts.

I believe this song became the national anthem because it is a historical treasure that will remind the nation of its past. In 2004 the 10th National People’s Congress passed an amendment to the Constitution, reiterating the national anthem is March of the Volunteers. It was another step toward completing all national identity legislation, after promulgating the National Flag Law in 1990 and National Emblem Law in 1991. As such the making of the National Anthem Law is only a matter of course and absolutely necessary to stipulate the correct way to sing the national anthem.

The National Anthem Law will not only solidify the sense of belonging and patriotism in Chinese citizens but also strengthen the nation’s international status as a sovereign state under rule of law. Western powers such as the United States and France have their own national anthem laws as do our Asian neighbors like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and India. Penalties for violating anthem laws vary from country to country but the national anthem laws invariably spell out the correct way to sing the anthem and to behave when it is played in public. As a country whose role in international affairs is growing in significance each day, China has every reason to have its own National Anthem Law.

The National Anthem Law will help enhance the citizens’ sense of national identity, drive home the spirit of patriotism and nurture the love for the country as a core value. Therefore the need to add a clause in Annex III of the Basic Law regarding local legislation of the National Anthem Law in Hong Kong is only natural. Not surprisingly, some opposition figures used their wild imagination to spread doubt and fear over National Anthem Law legislation. But those attempts are worthless and futile as the great majority of local residents can readily see through their deceit. The National Anthem Law legislation would be embraced by the public the same way the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance has been.

The National People’s Congress Standing Committee, during its annual session in June, deliberated over the draft National Anthem Law and noted: “The national anthem is a symbol of the People’s Republic of China. All PRC citizens and organizations should respect it and safeguard its dignity.” As an inalienable part of China, Hong Kong should abide by this national law. In fact, most Hong Kong residents accept this reality and agree the national anthem should be played at formal gatherings and local citizens should all stand in attention solemnly. Most of the local residents I have talked to about this issue said they support the National Anthem Law legislation according to Annex III of the Basic Law.