Hong Kong Junior High History Textbooks Revised: Qing Dynasty 'Ceding' Hong Kong Changed to British 'Forceful Occupation'
Hong Kong's junior high Chinese history textbooks have been revised this year, with significant additions to moral ethics content, emphasizing public service and law-abiding behavior. Notably, the description of the Qing Dynasty 'ceding' Hong Kong has been changed to British 'forceful occupation.' Some teachers have expressed reservations, arguing that such an approach imposes values without considering historical context. The revision is reported to unify the concept of national sovereignty and foster patriotism.
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Hong Kong, May 8 (CNA correspondent Chang Chien) – According to reports, Hong Kong's junior high Chinese history textbooks have been revised this year. The new edition significantly increases content on moral ethics, emphasizing public service and law-abiding behavior, and also modifies some historical terms, including changing the Qing Dynasty's 'cession' of Hong Kong to British 'forceful occupation.'
Sing Tao Daily reported today that it recently obtained samples of several new teacher's editions. The "Highlights of Chinese History Second Edition" by Ling Kee Publishing describes the armed uprisings of revolutionary parties in the late Qing Dynasty, and even the assassination of Qing officials. The content is marked with red text as "Teacher's Reference Guide," requiring teachers to remind students that "killing or harming others is illegal, and one should abide by laws in daily life."
The book mentions martyrs like Qiu Jin and Xu Xilin bravely sacrificing themselves and asks students how those "without the courage or ability to be martyrs" can contribute to the country. The reference content for teachers states that students can answer freely and suggests prompting students that "studying diligently, then joining society, and contributing to society is also a way to contribute to the country."
Regarding the "Burning Zhao's Mansion" incident during the "May Fourth Movement," Ling Kee Publishing's "New Exploration of Chinese History" reminds teachers to cultivate students' understanding of rational and law-abiding behavior, stating, "No matter what, we must not illegally harm others or damage others' property, and have zero tolerance for violence."
Regarding these additions, the report quoted an anonymous senior Chinese history teacher as saying that the approach is "worth scrutinizing," believing that teachers and students should first understand the historical background rather than judging historical events by today's values. "If values are placed before history, it can easily lead to content that is absurd and inappropriate, and even make the credibility of textbooks questioned."
The report also quoted Chan Siu-po, head of Chinese history at St. Joseph's Anglo-Chinese School, who said that publishers intentionally follow the values and attitudes promoted by the Education Bureau in recent years, including "law-abidingness." However, he believes that teachers will exercise their professional judgment in determining actual teaching content and will not simply accept everything in the textbooks.
Separately, reports indicate that several new Chinese history textbooks have revised historical terminology for Hong Kong.
The report points out that the Qing government signed unequal treaties such as the "Treaty of Nanking" with Britain in the 19th century, ceding Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula and leasing the New Territories to Britain. New Chinese history textbooks, including Jih Wen's "New Journey of Chinese History" and Ling Kee's "Highlights of Chinese History," all use terms like "forceful occupation," "forceful lease," and "invasion."
The report quoted an anonymous senior Chinese history teacher as saying that the aforementioned terms have indeed become the official mainstream narrative. "The current textbook revision aims to unify the concept of national sovereignty, ensure teaching content is consistent with the national constitution and basic law, and cultivate students' patriotic feelings for their country and home."
In addition, the new textbooks list a map of China that includes the "nine-dash line" in the South China Sea and the Nansha Islands. Chan Siu-po, head of Chinese history at St. Joseph's Anglo-Chinese School, quoted publishers as reflecting that the revision is in response to the authorities' curriculum revision, including "strict requirements" for Chinese maps and the necessity to follow official terminology for some terms. (Editor: Chen Kai-yu) 1150508
Sing Tao Daily reported today that it recently obtained samples of several new teacher's editions. The "Highlights of Chinese History Second Edition" by Ling Kee Publishing describes the armed uprisings of revolutionary parties in the late Qing Dynasty, and even the assassination of Qing officials. The content is marked with red text as "Teacher's Reference Guide," requiring teachers to remind students that "killing or harming others is illegal, and one should abide by laws in daily life."
The book mentions martyrs like Qiu Jin and Xu Xilin bravely sacrificing themselves and asks students how those "without the courage or ability to be martyrs" can contribute to the country. The reference content for teachers states that students can answer freely and suggests prompting students that "studying diligently, then joining society, and contributing to society is also a way to contribute to the country."
Regarding the "Burning Zhao's Mansion" incident during the "May Fourth Movement," Ling Kee Publishing's "New Exploration of Chinese History" reminds teachers to cultivate students' understanding of rational and law-abiding behavior, stating, "No matter what, we must not illegally harm others or damage others' property, and have zero tolerance for violence."
Regarding these additions, the report quoted an anonymous senior Chinese history teacher as saying that the approach is "worth scrutinizing," believing that teachers and students should first understand the historical background rather than judging historical events by today's values. "If values are placed before history, it can easily lead to content that is absurd and inappropriate, and even make the credibility of textbooks questioned."
The report also quoted Chan Siu-po, head of Chinese history at St. Joseph's Anglo-Chinese School, who said that publishers intentionally follow the values and attitudes promoted by the Education Bureau in recent years, including "law-abidingness." However, he believes that teachers will exercise their professional judgment in determining actual teaching content and will not simply accept everything in the textbooks.
Separately, reports indicate that several new Chinese history textbooks have revised historical terminology for Hong Kong.
The report points out that the Qing government signed unequal treaties such as the "Treaty of Nanking" with Britain in the 19th century, ceding Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula and leasing the New Territories to Britain. New Chinese history textbooks, including Jih Wen's "New Journey of Chinese History" and Ling Kee's "Highlights of Chinese History," all use terms like "forceful occupation," "forceful lease," and "invasion."
The report quoted an anonymous senior Chinese history teacher as saying that the aforementioned terms have indeed become the official mainstream narrative. "The current textbook revision aims to unify the concept of national sovereignty, ensure teaching content is consistent with the national constitution and basic law, and cultivate students' patriotic feelings for their country and home."
In addition, the new textbooks list a map of China that includes the "nine-dash line" in the South China Sea and the Nansha Islands. Chan Siu-po, head of Chinese history at St. Joseph's Anglo-Chinese School, quoted publishers as reflecting that the revision is in response to the authorities' curriculum revision, including "strict requirements" for Chinese maps and the necessity to follow official terminology for some terms. (Editor: Chen Kai-yu) 1150508