Hong Kong school children will be taught the Chinese national anthem and anyone who insults the “March of the Volunteers” could face three years in prison under proposed local legislation to implement a Chinese national anthem law in the territory.

Hong Kong is obliged to introduce the law - which is seen as a threat to the city’s freedom and autonomy - after China in September enacted a law mandating detention without trial and other criminal punishments for those who disrespect the national anthem.

Hong Kong football fans have received multiple warnings from the government after booing the national anthem at matches became routine since the pro-democracy Occupy protests in 2014. The protest against the anthem represents a wider backlash against Beijing’s increasing interventions in the city.