F4 CSD Topic 1 P8-11

When was the Sino-British Joint Declaration signed? WHO and where was it registered at?

• In Beijing on December 19, 1984 by the Prime Ministers of China and Britain

• Registered at the United Nations by both governments on June 12, 1985

  
  

What did the Government of the PRC and the United Kingdom declare in the Sino-British Joint Declaration?

• PRC: that it had decided to resume the exercise of sovereignty over HK with effect from July 1, 1997

• The United Kingdom: that it would restore HK to the PRC with effect from July 1, 1997

What are the first three basic policies of the PRC towards HK?

HK shall be an SAR of the PRC upon the resumption of the exercise of sovereignty

The HKSAR will be directly under the authority of the CPG and will enjoy a high degree of autonomy except in foreign and defence affairs which are the responsibilities of the CPG

The HKSAR will be vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power including final adjudication

• The laws in force before the resumption of the exercise of sovereignty by China will remain basically unchanged

What are the 4th to 8th basic policies of the PRC declared towards HK?

The Government of the HKSAR will be composed of local inhabitants

• Foreign nationals working for the government of HK may remain in employment

The social and economic system in HK before the resumption of the exercise of sovereignty by China will remain unchanged, so will the life-style

• Rights and freedom, private property, ownership of enterprises, legitimate rights of inheritance and foreign investment will be protected by the Basic Law

The HKSAR will retain the status of a free port and a separate customs territory

The HKSAR will retain the status of an international financial centre

• There will be a free flow of capital

• The HKD wiki continue to circulate and remain freely convertible

The HKSAR will have independent finances

What are the 9th to 12th basic policies of the PRC declared towards HK?

The HKSAR may establish mutually beneficial economic relations with the UK and other countries

The HKSAR may develop economic and cultural relations with states, regions and relevant international organisations on its own using the name ‘Hong Kong, China’

The maintenance of public order in the HKSAR will be its own responsibility

These policies will remain unchanged for 50 years

How does the Basic Law establish and legalise the “one country, two systems” principle?

• drafted and enacted based on the state Constitution

• The success of this system should be guaranteed by the Basic Law

• This law would serve as a model for Macao and Taiwan

What is the Basic Law?

A constitutional document of the HKSAR

explains the basic policies of China regarding HK

provides for the implementation of

• One country, two systems

• A high degree of autonomy

• HK people administering HK

When was the Basic Law adopted on? What are some details about it?

On 4th April, 1990

• by the Seventh NPC of the PRC

• Came into effect on 1 July 1997

What is the Constitution?

The fundamental law of the state

Has supreme legal force

Gives legislative backing for all laws

• Foundation of law for the Basic Law

• The Basic Law must comply with the Constitution

• The laws enacted by the LegCo must comply with the Basic Law

What is the significance of HK’s return to China historically?

China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over HK smoothly

• Safeguarded the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity

• Resolved the questions of HK

What is the significance of HK’s return to China economically and socially?

The “one country, two systems” principle was incorporated into the state Constitution

The Basic Law guarantees that the HKSAR enjoys a high degree of autonomy under this principle

HK’s previous capitalist system and way of life are retained

• Ensures its prosperity and stability after the handover to maintain its status as an international financial centre and a free port

What is the significance of HK’s return to China politically?

“One country, two systems”

• Takes into account HK’s actual situation while safeguarding national interests

• Sets an example for resolving the questions of Taiwan and Macao

• Facilitates China’s peaceful reunification

The settlement of historical issues between countries

• Provided an example for the international community of how to resolve similar disputes peacefully

• Provides a new solution for the international community to solve similar problems

• Is China’s contribution to world peace and development

What are the values learnt?

National identity

Unity

Sense of belonging towards our country

Peace