Xi Jinping Thoughts in Hong Kong Schools
The Expansion of Mainland China's Ideological Education into Hong Kong Classrooms
Hong Kong schools have recently begun including “Xi Jinping Thought” into their curriculum as part of a broader push for patriotic education and fostering a sense of national identity among students. This marks a new chapter in the complex relationship between Hong Kong and China where the increasing influence of the Chinese Community Party (CCP) can be observed. The curriculum guidelines were issued by the Education Bureau and are mandatory for all secondary schools in Hong Kong, effective September, 2024.
Xi Jinping Thought
“Xi Jinping Thought” will help “teenagers establish Marxist beliefs”, said the Ministry of Education (MOE) in new guidelines.1
Officially termed “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era”, this political ideology was incorporated into the CCP’s constitution during the 19th National Congress in October 2017. This ideology that seeks to build upon and enrich previous party doctrines; emphasises Communist ideals, national rejuvenation, and the absolute authority of the Communist party. It has been a mandatory subject in Chinese schools since 2021.
“Primary schools will focus on cultivating love for the country, the Communist Party of China, and socialism. In middle schools, the focus will be on a combination of perceptual experience and knowledge study, to help students form basic political judgments and opinions,”2
In Hong Kong, this ideological framework will be introduced in a new subject called Citizenship, Economics and Society recommended for third-year secondary students as part of a module on “Our country’s Political Structure and Its Participation in International Affairs.”3 The module discusses China’s political structure, and includes lessons on the governance model of China, the significance of the Communist Party’s leadership, and the ideological underpinnings of Xi’s policies. It aims to foster affection for our country by educating students about China’s achievements, her historical context, and the importance of national unity. The module also covers China’s participation in international affairs, role in international governance, diplomacy and economic initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
This move is part of a broader effort to implement patriotic education across China, including Hong Kong, as mandated by China’s patriotic education law that came into effect on January 1, 2024. A draft “Patriotic Education Law” was submitted to China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee in October 2023, for review. This law aims to enhance identification with “our great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture and the Communist Party” across various sectors of the society, including schools, universities and religious institutions. In Hong Kong, the city government has already mandated “national security” education in schools following the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020. This requirement aims to enhance students’ understanding of their responsibilities as citizens and their awareness of law in relation to their identity as part of China. The subject Life and Society which was previously introduced to “better link up junior students’ knowledge with liberal studies”, included elements of civic education and critical thinking, has already been replaced in favour of “Citizenship and Social Development” . Moral, Civic and National Education was introduced to cultivate students’ moral and national qualities systematically and foster positive values. The subject focuses on law abiding-ness, responsibility and national identity as core values students should internalise. Colleges has begun sending students to absorb “red culture” at communist pilgrimage sites to immerse students in the party’s ideology and history, further reinforcing patriotic education.
Implications for Hong Kong’s Education System and Beyond
These educational reforms reflect a significant change from the city’s traditional educational approach towards a more controlled narrative. This has raised concerns among educators and parents regarding academic freedom and the potential for indoctrination within the education system. Critics argued that such measures may lead to a form of “brainwashing”, as they aim to align students’ perspectives more closely with those of mainland China.4 It is also viewed as another step in stripping Hong Kong of its unique identity. Some fear that the new curriculum that aims to cultivate students’ “sense of nationhood, affection for our country and sense of national identity” may come at the expense of critical thinking and diverse perspectives.
“The difference between brainwashing and education is that in education, you come to understand something through comparison, contrast, doubt and denial,"
"Brainwashing just tells you the answer, and doesn't allow you to doubt it or compare it with anything else.”5
In 2012, plans to introduce a Communist Party-backed program of “patriotic education” into Hong Kong’s schools were temporarily shelved after mass protests led by student activists. The protests were fuelled by concerns that the curriculum would serve as a form of indoctrination, promoting a narrative aligned with the CCP while undermining Hong Kong’s unique identity. But the current implementation of patriotic education occurred in a different political environment. There has been a broad crackdown on dissent and civil liberties in Hong Kong following the enactment of the National Security Law (NSL) in 2020 which resulted in greater government control over various aspects of life, including education. Since the NSL, national security education has been mandated in schools, a move that aligns with the government’s effort to reinforce loyalty to the state and CCP.
Beyond Hong Kong, there are concerns about the potential long-term effects on academic freedom and the city’s status as an international education hub. Some fear that these developments could lead to a brain drain, with families and educators seeking alternatives elsewhere. Historically, Hong Kong has prided itself on its educational autonomy and liberal values. The current political climate has led to fears that educators may self-censor or alter their teaching to align with government expectations. This could diminish Hong Kong’s attractiveness as an international education hub. Already, reports have emerged of textbooks in other countries, including the United Kingdom, being edited to remove or alter content that Beijing finds objectionable6. This raises broader questions about China’s soft power and its ability to shape educational narratives beyond its borders. This phenomenon raises critical questions about academic integrity and the autonomy of educational institutions outside China.
Looking Ahead
The current educational landscape is certainly an interesting one. The introduction of Xi Jinping Thought in Hong Kong schools is a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s ongoing integration with mainland China. As this new educational approach takes root, it is important to observe and understand its impact on students’ worldview, critical thinking skills, and sense of identity. The long term consequences for Hong Kong’s educational landscape and its role as an international educational hub remain to be seen. And only the coming years can tell.
Food for Thought
How might the introduction of Xi Jinping Thought in Hong Kong schools affect the city’s long-standing reputation as a bridge between East and West?
What strategies could educators and parents employ to encourage critical thinking and diverse perspectives within the framework of the new curriculum?
How might these educational changes impact Hong Kong’s future workforce and its ability to compete in the global knowledge economy?
To what extent can education systems resist or adapt to political pressures while maintaining academic integrity and freedom of thought?