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Hong Kong looks askance at anthem rule

HONG KONG, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- The Hong Kong government has decreed that local television stations must play the Chinese national anthem every evening before the news to boost patriotism.

The rule, which applies only to Chinese-language stations, also compels them to play a 45-second video featuring diving star Guo Jingjing and astronaut Yang Liwei. The broadcasts began on Oct. 1, China's National Day.

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The intent is to strengthen a sense of national identity, but it has been met by heavy public criticism, the South China Morning Post reported Monday.

Critics view the move as propaganda, with one political commentator saying it at best would stir a "trivial sense of nationalism."

Home Affairs chief Patrick Ho said the government was still collecting public views on the matter, and would take them into consideration.

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