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Radio Television Hong Kong tells the Story of the Chinese National Anthem

"March of the volunteers", the national anthem of China, is related to the bravery of Chinese young people resisting Japan's aggression of China. It was originally the theme song of the movie "Sons and Daughters in a Time of Storm" which depicts the heroic stories of young Chinese marching to the front line to defend their country against Japanese aggression. Hong Kong is part of China. The National Anthem Ordinance came into force in June 2020.

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Recently, a song associated with the anti-extradition bill movement called "Glory to Hong Kong" instead of the national anthem "March of the Volunteers" has been played. Such a faux pas is a profound disrespect of China, Hong Kong and the participating Hong Kong sportsmen.

It is hoped that when the national anthem is played, Hong Kong people will recognize its association with the young matyrs who fought against Japanese aggression of China. Showing respect to the matyrs is doing the same to oneself.

Background

History

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an inseparable part of the People's Republic of China. “March of the Volunteers” is the national anthem of the People's Republic of China under the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the National Anthem Ordinance.

“March of the Volunteers” was written by the noted poet Tian Han with music by the famous composer Nie Er. It was originally the theme song of Sons and Daughters in a Time of Storm (1935), a movie about fighting against Japan Aggression and saving the country. The song captures the fearless and tenacious fighting spirit of the Chinese nation.

On 27 September 1949, the First Plenary Session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference decided: Before the national anthem of the People's Republic of China was formally formulated, "The March of Volunteers" composed by Tian Han and Nie Er was adopted as the provisional national anthem.

On 1 October 1949, the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China was established. At Tiananmen Square in Beijing, with the rise of the “Five-star Red Flag”, "March of the Volunteers" resonated for the first time at Tiananmen Square.

On 12 June 2020, the National Anthem Ordinance came into force and regulates the details of playing and singing the national anthem, and its protection and promotion.

RTHK's radio channels started broadcasting the national anthem every morning at 8 am.

Law
National Anthem Ordinance Details
《中華人民共和國國歌法》(Chinese only)Details
Occasions on which national anthem must be played and sung

Under the National Anthem Ordinance, the national anthem must be played and sung on each occasion set out in Schedule 3.

Standard for playing and singing

The national anthem being played on musical instruments in accordance with the standard score, or an official recording of the national anthem being played, for the singing of the national anthem.

Standard Score and Official Recording:

National Anthem Official Recording (Chinese only)
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