Following is a question by the Hon Kingsley Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):

Question:

     It is learnt that the "Uprising of the Two Airlines" (the Uprising), which broke out at Kai Tak Airport on November 9, 1949, was described as a world's astonishing patriotic feat and praised by Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai as "a significant patriotic move" and "the starting point of China's civil aviation of the people with unlimited potential", while the triumphant "struggle for property protection" with continuous participation primarily from members of patriotic trade unions, patriotic workers and members of the public for several years had made great contribution to the development of New China's civil aviation. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) given that the Government is vigorously promoting patriotic education, and that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Uprising, whether the Government and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) will make good use of this excellent patriotic resource to organise relevant commemorative and educational activities; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) whether the Government will take the lead in enriching the relevant record of the major historical events of the Uprising from Hong Kong's perspective, including collecting information from witnesses of the Uprising in Hong Kong and setting up a dedicated programme to subsidise community groups in preserving and promoting the history of this patriotic labour movement; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) given that there is a suggestion that the Government should designate space at leisure facilities (e.g. parks) to be constructed in the Kai Tak Development Area for installing facilities with elements commemorating the Uprising, so as to give members of the public (especially young people) an opportunity to gain an understanding of such historical event during leisure time, thereby subtly developing their sense of patriotism, whether the Government will consider the aforesaid suggestion; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(4) whether it will consider setting up additional publicity boards on the Uprising in the exhibition halls of the Hong Kong Museum of History, the AAHK and the Civil Aviation Department, so that visitors (especially Mainland compatriots) can have a better understanding of this glorious historical event closely related to Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(5) whether it will discuss with the Central Government on the loan of valuable artefacts relating to the Uprising (e.g. passenger planes which flew north from Kai Tak Airport that year) for display in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:
 
President,

     Having consulted relevant bureaux and departments, the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Kingsley Wong is as follows:

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government endeavours to build mainstream values in Hong Kong characterised by patriotism with affection for our country and Hong Kong and in conformity with the principle of "one country, two systems". Since its establishment in April 2024, the Working Group on Patriotic Education (Working Group) has been taking forward its work in a proactive manner, focusing efforts to explore and propose policy measures in relation to patriotic education having regard to the actual circumstances of Hong Kong. The Working Group also actively rolls out a wide array of activities in the community, through adopting a soft and heart-moving approach, to facilitate the spirit of patriotism to take root in society, as well as enhance the national awareness, sense of national pride and patriotism among members of the public.

     Regarding the suggestion to promote the historic event of the "Uprising of the Two Airlines" as part of patriotic education, the Hong Kong Museum of History will introduce the relevant historical facts in its permanent exhibition. The HKSAR Government will also explore with relevant Mainland authorities the feasibility of loaning related historical materials for display in Hong Kong. Besides, the HKSAR Government will consider incorporating elements related to the "Uprising of the Two Airlines" into the design of new leisure facilities in the Kai Tak Development Area and consult District Councils and various stakeholders for their views.

     In order to enhance public's knowledge of the development of Hong Kong's aviation industry and attract young people to join the industry, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has set up the Aviation Education Path at its headquarters to promote aviation-related knowledge. Through the exhibits and interactive multi-media facilities at the Aviation Education Path, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of various aspects relating to civil aviation and Hong Kong's role as an international aviation hub. The CAD has planned to set up an exhibition hall on the "Uprising of the Two Airlines" and the development of national civil aviation (including the development of home-grown aircraft) at the Aviation Education Path, with a view to enhancing the public's understanding of the history and development of the national civil aviation. The exhibition hall is expected to be completed in phases starting from the end of this year for public visit. Separately, with the support of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, a photo exhibition with the theme of "Uprising of the Two Airlines" will be organised in the staff restaurant of the Hong Kong International Airport Community Building in November this year to promote better understanding of the relevant history within the airport community.

Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Issued at HKT 12:05

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