Why was the history question deemed harmful to national dignity?

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History Question Deemed Harmful to National Dignity Due to Historical Context of Japanese Invasion

The history question on a Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education test, which asked students to debate whether Japan had done "more good than harm to China during the period between 1900 and 1945," was deemed harmful to national dignity due to the immense suffering inflicted upon China during Japan's invasion. Hong Kong's Secretary for Education, Kevin Yeung, explicitly stated that the question "seriously hurt the feelings and dignity of the Chinese people who suffered great pain during the Japanese invasion of China." This sentiment was amplified by Chinese state media, which criticized Hong Kong schools for their perceived lack of adherence to national principles and the "one country, two systems" framework.
Question Ignored Historical Suffering and Japanese Aggression

The period between 1900 and 1945 encompassed significant and brutal Japanese military aggression against China, including the Second Sino-Japanese War which began in 1937. This era is widely recognized in China as a time of immense hardship, loss of life, and national trauma. By framing the question as a debate on "good versus harm," it was seen as downplaying or even justifying the atrocities committed by Japan, thereby disrespecting the memory of the victims and the historical narrative of national resistance and suffering.
State Media Criticized Hong Kong's Education System

Chinese state media, including Xinhua, strongly condemned the question and the Hong Kong education system, labelling schools as "lawless." Commentaries suggested that the education system had not aligned with the "one country, two systems" principle, which guarantees Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy but also implies adherence to national sovereignty and dignity. The criticism implied that such examination questions could be exploited by anti-China forces to undermine national sentiment and potentially influence students negatively, leading to unrest.
Investigation and Invalidation of the Question Initiated

In response to the controversy, Hong Kong's Education Secretary Kevin Yeung requested the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the question's inclusion in the history exam. The exam was taken by 5,200 students. Following this directive, the question was subsequently invalidated. Reports also indicated that two officials from the HKEAA resigned in the wake of the controversy, underscoring the seriousness with which the issue was treated by authorities.

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Why was the history question deemed harmful to national dignity?

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