The anthem, titled "March of the Volunteers", is the same national anthem used by mainland China. It was composed by Nie Er and written by Tian Han during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The song was originally the theme song of the 1935 film "Sons and Daughters of China" and became a popular patriotic anthem during the war. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, "March of the Volunteers" was officially adopted as the national anthem.
The use of "March of the Volunteers" as Hong Kong's national anthem is a symbol of the region's ties with mainland China and its status as a Special Administrative Region (SAR). It is typically played during official events, ceremonies, and sporting competitions in Hong Kong.
The lyrics of "March of the Volunteers" express themes of patriotism, unity, and national pride. They call for Chinese citizens to march forward together, overcome difficulties, and strive for a brighter future for their country.