Hong Kong schools have been ordered to display the Chinese flag and sing the Chinese national anthem as the city begins enforcing a controversial anthem law

• Hong Kong's education department has ordered elementary and middle schools across the city to display the Chinese national flag and sing the Chinese national anthem during special occasions.
• The new guidelines enforce a controversial new law passed earlier this month that makes insulting China's national anthem a crime punishable by fines of up to HK$50,000 (around $6,400), or up to three years in prison.
• While Hong Kong has more autonomy than the rest of the country, recent legislation from Beijing has sought to erode this status, prompting widespread dissent.

Hong Kong's Education Bureau introduced new guidelines on Thursday calling for all elementary and middle schools in the semi-autonomous Chinese city to follow new legislation that came into effect on June 12.

The legislation, called the "National Anthem Ordinance," states that anyone who insults or commercially misuses China's national anthem — March of the Volunteers — can be punished with fines of up to HK$50,000 (around $6,400), or up to three years in prison.

The bill sparked controversy when it was first drafted last year, though ultimately it passed through Hong Kong's legislature by a vote of 41 votes in favor and one against. Mainland China already has similar laws in place. According to the new guidelines, the Chinese national anthem must be sung during celebrations in honor of New Year's Day, the anniversary of the city's handover to China on July 1, and the National Day on October 1. Schools are also "strongly advised" to do so on "important days and special occasions" like open days and graduation ceremonies.

"This is part of moral, civic, and national education, and helps enhance students' sense of national identity," an Education Bureau spokesperson said in a statement announcing the new guidelines.

Schools have also been told to investigate incidences where students or teachers are found to have disrespected China's national anthem and should call the police if necessary, according to the South China Morning Post.

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While Hong Kong operates under "one country, two systems" and has more autonomy than the rest of the country, recent legislation from Beijing has sought to erode this status, prompting widespread dissent.

Last month, China moved forward with controversial national security laws for Hong Kong, allowing China to draft and force national security laws in Hong Kong in the near future. Chinese authorities have not yet released the full details of the proposal. Pro-democracy leader Joshua Wong tweeted last month that China's aggressive measures were "retaliation" for months of violent clashes between protesters and police spurred by the deeply unpopular extradition bill proposed last year.