Citizenship & Social Development: Study Notes

Chapter: Situation of the country and sense of national identity

Hey everyone! Welcome to your study notes for this important chapter. We're going to explore the contemporary situation of our country, China, and think about what it means to have a sense of national identity. It might sound like a big topic, but don't worry! We'll break it down into simple, easy-to-understand parts. Understanding our country helps us understand Hong Kong's place in the world and our own identity. Let's get started!


1. A Snapshot of Modern China: People, Politics, and Citizenship

First, let's look at the basic building blocks of the country: its political structure, its people, and what it means to be a citizen.

The Political Structure: How is the Country Run?

Think of a country's political structure as its "operating system". It's the framework that keeps everything running. According to Article 1 of the Constitution, the fundamental system is socialism.

Here are the key institutions you should know:

  • National People's Congress (NPC): This is the highest organ of state power in China. Think of it as the ultimate decision-making body, like a super-parliament for the whole country. It has the power to make laws and appoint top government officials.

  • Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC): This is a very important body for political consultation. Imagine a grand council of advisors made up of people from different political parties, ethnic groups, industries, and social circles. Their job is to give advice and suggestions on major national issues before decisions are made.

The People: Who makes up the Chinese Nation?

China is a unified multiethnic state. This is a very important concept!

  • Analogy: Think of the Chinese nation as one giant family. This family has 56 official ethnic groups. The Han people are the largest group, but all 56 groups are equal members of the family.

  • The Constitution (in Article 4) guarantees the rights and interests of all ethnic groups and promotes a relationship of equality, unity, and mutual assistance among them.

Citizenship: What does it mean to be a Chinese National?

This part connects directly to us in Hong Kong.

  • The rules about who is a Chinese national are set out in the country's Constitution and the Nationality Law.

  • For us, the Basic Law also has specific provisions that define who is a resident of the HKSAR, including both permanent residents and non-permanent residents. Most Hong Kong residents who are of Chinese descent are Chinese nationals.

Key Takeaway for Section 1

The country is run on a socialist system, with the NPC as the highest power and the CPPCC as the main advisory body. The nation is a large, unified family of 56 ethnic groups. Our identity as Hong Kong residents and Chinese nationals is defined by the Constitution, the Nationality Law, and the Basic Law.


2. Symbols of Our Nation: More Than Just a Flag!

National symbols are powerful. They represent the country's dignity, history, and unity. Let's look at our three main national symbols.

The National Flag: The Five-starred Red Flag (五星紅旗)
  • Meaning: The red background symbolises the revolution. The large golden star represents the Communist Party of China (CPC), and the four smaller stars represent the Chinese people, united and led by the CPC.
The National Emblem (國徽)
  • Meaning: It features Tiananmen Gate in the centre, representing the new China. The five stars above are from the national flag. The cogwheel represents the industrial working class, and the sheaves of wheat and rice represent the peasantry.
The National Anthem: March of the Volunteers (義勇軍進行曲)
  • Meaning: The music and lyrics create a powerful feeling of patriotism and national unity, encouraging people to strive for the nation's prosperity and rejuvenation. It embodies the national spirit of courage and resilience.
Did you know?

The "March of the Volunteers" was originally the theme song for a 1935 film called "Sons and Daughters in a Time of Storm," which was about Chinese people resisting foreign invasion. Its powerful message made it a symbol of national defiance and unity.

The Law and Our Symbols in Hong Kong

This is a crucial point! The national laws regarding the flag, emblem, and anthem are applied in Hong Kong. These laws are listed in Annex III of the Basic Law. This means we have a legal responsibility to respect our national symbols.

Key Takeaway for Section 2

The national flag, emblem, and anthem are the official symbols of our country. Each has a deep meaning related to the nation's history, people, and values. Laws listed in Annex III of the Basic Law require them to be respected in Hong Kong.


3. Leaping Forward: Recent Achievements of Our Country

China has developed at an incredible speed in recent decades. Understanding these achievements helps us feel a sense of pride and see the country's progress.

New High-End Technologies

From space to the internet, China is a tech leader.

Examples: The national space programme has successfully sent missions to the Moon and Mars. Companies are global leaders in 5G technology. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System is China's own version of GPS.

Medical Care and Public Health

The health and well-being of 1.4 billion people is a huge task, and there has been amazing progress.

Examples: Building massive hospitals in just days during the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding health insurance to cover more citizens. Life expectancy has significantly increased.

Culture and Education

There's a growing focus on nurturing talent and sharing Chinese culture with the world.

Examples: Successfully hosting the Summer and Winter Olympics in Beijing. A huge increase in the number of university graduates. Efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage.

Infrastructures

China is famous for building big and fast!

Examples: The world's largest high-speed rail network, connecting almost all major cities. Massive projects like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Three Gorges Dam.

Poverty Eradication

This is one of the most significant achievements in modern history.

In recent decades, China has lifted hundreds of millions of its citizens out of extreme poverty. This has dramatically improved the quality of life for a huge portion of the population and is a major contribution to the world.

Key Takeaway for Section 3

Our country has made huge progress in many areas, from technology and infrastructure to public health and poverty eradication. These achievements show the nation's strength and its commitment to improving people's lives.


4. Hong Kong's Role in National Affairs: A Two-Way Street

The relationship between Hong Kong and the Mainland is not one-sided. It's a dynamic partnership where both sides benefit and contribute. Think of it as a "two-way street".

Benefits for Hong Kong (What the Country provides for us)

  • The Country's Supportive Policies: The central government actively introduces policies that support Hong Kong's development and economic stability. For example, initiatives like the Greater Bay Area development plan create enormous opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses and young people.

  • The "One Country, Two Systems" Advantage: This is our unique edge! Under "One Country," we have the strong backing and vast market of the Mainland. Under "Two Systems," we maintain our own economic and legal systems, which makes us an attractive international hub. This dual advantage allows Hong Kong to act as a "super-connector" between the Mainland and the rest of the world.

Contributions from Hong Kong (How we help the Country)

  • Promoting Development and Exchange: For decades, Hong Kong has been a vital bridge for the Mainland. We brought in foreign investment, technology, and modern business management skills that were crucial for the country's Reform and Opening-up.

  • Donations for Natural Disasters: Hong Kong people are known for their generosity. A famous example is the massive city-wide fundraising and donation efforts following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, showing a deep connection with our compatriots.

  • Supporting Developing Regions: Hong Kong businesses, charities, and individuals have long supported the needs of developing regions in the Mainland through building schools, hospitals, and other community projects.

Key Takeaway for Section 4

The relationship between Hong Kong and the Mainland is mutually beneficial. Hong Kong receives supportive policies and enjoys the unique advantage of "One Country, Two Systems". In return, Hong Kong has made significant contributions by promoting development, providing donations, and supporting those in need across the country.