China's national anthem law to be imposed in Hong Kong

中國的國歌法在香港施行

Beijing wants to regulate the use of its national anthem, with strict penalties for those disrespecting the song


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- China's top legislators are considering toughening the punishment for those who disrespect the national anthem, including Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is under scrutiny after fans of the Hong Kong football team turned their backs on the national flag and booed during the playing of the Chinese national anthem, "The March of the Volunteers," prior to the start of the game, which Hong Kong won 2-0.

Hong Kong will play against Lebanon on Nov. 14 and the Hong Kong Asian Football Confederation warned 'a repeat violation may result in more severe punishment' in a statement issued on Tuesday according to ESPNFC.

Beijing is mulling a three-year jail term for those who disrespect the national anthem, but Hong Kong may be allowed to choose its own penalty.

Barrister Ting Wong of the pro-Beijing CA Legal Exchange said it was right to allow Hong Kong to decide its own penalties for such an act.

“While the three years’ jail term as proposed by the mainland may be a good reference, it is up to the Legislative Council to decide when the local bill is put to it for examination.?Of course, our legislators can say two years may be more suitable, but if so, they may have to give reasons," said Wong as quoted by the South China Morning Post.

Although the law has been passed and enforced in China, it is yet to be extended to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong was a British colony but was transferred to the Chinese government in 1997 under the formula of 'One country, two systems' .