In a significant shift, eight public universities in Hong Kong have officially signed a groundbreaking accountability agreement that mandates adherence to the guidance and directives of the central government and aligns with the views of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The institutions involved include some of Hong Kong's most reputable universities: the University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Lingnan University, and the Education University of Hong Kong.

This University Accountability Agreement, covering the 2025-28 timeframe, was inked with the University Grants Committee (UGC) last month. It delineates strategic directions, funding principles, and performance metrics that these institutions must adhere to.

One of the key aspects of this agreement, which went public on June 30, emphasizes the need for universities to help integrate Hong Kong into the broader development of mainland China, guided by President Xi's vision of 'invigorating China through science and education,' a phrase he first mentioned during the 20th Party Congress in October 2022.

The agreement also instructs universities to align closely with the Central Government's outlook for Hong Kong, particularly regarding the 'four musts' and 'four proposals' Xi put forth during his visit to the city in July 2022, meant to celebrate its 25th handover anniversary.

This marks the first instance since the UGC began these agreements in 2019 where explicit compliance with central government guidance is mandated, underscoring a new era of oversight.

Additionally, the new guidelines call for a heightened focus on educating students about China's Constitution, Hong Kong's Basic Law, and national security laws, aiming to develop future leaders with integrity, civic responsibility, and a commitment to lawfulness.

The UGC reserves the right to adjust funding based on various factors, including governance issues, unmet obligations under the agreement, or significant legal violations. Funding may be further affected by unsatisfactory enrollment outcomes.

It’s worth noting that last year, Hong Kong ranked in the lowest 10-20% worldwide on the Academic Freedom Index 2024, reflecting serious concerns about research freedom and institutional autonomy within the city, according to a study by German and Swedish researchers.

As Hong Kong navigates these changes, the implications for academic freedom, governance, and the future of education in the territory are profound and warrant close attention.