Hong Kong citizens’ wariness of Beijing’s influence on the island has intensified following distribution of a “patriotic” book, Asahi Shimbun reports.
The book, entitled “The China Model”, was distributed by the city’s National Education Service Center to schools across Hong Kong. It aims to “instill a greater sense of identity”. The book describes China’s political system as “progressive, altruistic, and united” and says that US politics has “created social turbulence and is harmful to people’s livelihood.” Some Hong Kong citizens saw it as a propaganda-style education. Local media criticized the book as “biased and aimed at brainwashing” students.
Sentiment towards Beijing has become worse as citizens become increasingly expressive over human rights issues, freedom and pollution. Early this month, protests were held against newly sworn-in leader Leung Chun-ying, who is believed to be a close ally of Beijing.
