'Patriotism Is Not A Choice, But An Obligation'

The director of Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong, Luo Huining, said on Wednesday that patriotism is not a choice but an obligation, and accused "some people" of trying to dilute Hong Kong people's feelings for the nation by twisting the meaning of the One Country, Two Systems principle.

Speaking at an event celebrating both National Day and the mid-autumn festival, Luo said there should be more efforts to build a political foundation for the Hong Kong society to have a stronger sense of belonging and national pride.

Hong Kong people, especially those in public services and young people, should be better educated on the country, its constitution, the Basic Law as well as national security, he said.

Luo said there's an urgent need to boost the sense of nationalism here. Hong Kong people, especially those in public service and young people, should be better educated on the country, its constitution, the Basic Law as well as national security, he said.

The top Beijing official in the city said the national security law has ended "pro-independence savageness" in Hong Kong and saved the city from falling into "an abyss of a colour revolution".

At the same event, Chief Executive Carrie Lam declared there's no home without country, describing this as a "fine traditional concept of the Chinese race".

Lam said every resident should be proud of their own country's long-term development and take up their responsibility in defending national security.