New Doc 03-11-2025 20.45

Hong Kong under "One Country, Two Systems"

1. China's Form of State and Fundamental System

  • Constitutional Establishment

    • Article 1: The People's Republic of China (PRC) is a socialist state governed by a people's democratic dictatorship.

    • The state is led by the working class and based on an alliance of workers and peasants.

    • Leadership by the Communist Party of China (CPC) defines socialism with Chinese characteristics.

    • Prohibition against any organization or individual damaging the socialist system.

  • Form of State

    • Definition: Status of various social classes in state power (which class holds power, which classes are allies, etc.).

    • People's democratic dictatorship: Clarifies social class status and emphasizes that the national regime belongs to the people.

  • Socialist System

    • Fundamental to PRC, supporting national development:

      • Socialist Democratic Politics: Involves democratic elections, consultations, decision-making, management, and supervision.

      • Socialist Market Economy: Blends market economy practices with socialism, allowing the market to play a key role under state macro-adjustment.

2. China's Fundamental Political System

  • People's Congress System

    • Core of China's political structure, compatible with the people's democratic dictatorship.

    • Article 2: All power belongs to the people, exercised through the National People’s Congress (NPC) and local congresses.

    • Representatives are elected regularly, promoting public opinion and collective wisdom.

  • Role of the NPC

    • Highest State Organs: NPC with term limits, convenes yearly; responsible for legislative functions, appointments, and national governance oversight.

    • Major Functions:

  • Personnel Decisions: Election of key state officials.

  • National Planning: Approving development plans and government budgets.

  • Supervision: Enforcing laws and reviewing policies.

  • Legislation: Amending constitution and national laws.

3. Nationality Law and Implementation in Hong Kong

  • Single Nationality

    • Article 3 of the Nationality Law prohibits dual nationality among Chinese nationals.

    • Naturalization outside China leads to the automatic loss of Chinese nationality, though it can be restored.

  • Stance on Hong Kong Residents

    • According to the Explanations from the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), Hong Kong residents of Chinese descent are Chinese nationals regardless of foreign travel documents held.

    • Effective from July 1, 1997, holders of British Overseas Territories Citizens Passports are still recognized as Chinese nationals but without British consular protection.

4. Ethnic Relations and Policies in China

  • Ethnic Equality

    • Fundamental of China's ethnic policies, guaranteeing equal rights across political, economic, and social aspects for all ethnic groups.

    • Article 4: Prohibits discrimination and promotes mutual assistance among ethnic groups.

  • Ethnic Unity

    • Core principle ensuring prosperity; requires all ethnic groups to promote unity.

    • Reflects the idea that different ethnic groups need one another for mutual survival and prosperity.

  • Common Prosperity

    • Policies focused on economic and social development for minority areas to achieve common prosperity across all ethnic groups.

5. Cultural Differences and Ethnic Minorities

  • Diverse Living Conditions

    • Ethnic groups like the Dong, Li, and Yi showcase unique architectural styles linked to environmental and historical contexts.

  • Ethnic Festivals

    • Cultural identities represented through festivals like the Palden Lhamo Festival and the Torch Festival; link local customs to historical narratives.

6. Structure of State Organs

  • Central State Organs: Include NPC, President, State Council, Central Military Commission, etc.

    • NPC Responsibilities: The NPC oversees laws, state budgets, and national governance.

    • State Council: Executive organ managing administrative tasks.

    • Central Military Commission: Leadership of armed forces.

7. Regional Ethnic Autonomy and Self-Governance

  • System Overview

    • Localized governance through autonomous organs allowing minority nationalities to manage their affairs under state leadership.

    • Self-Governance: Encourages participation in political life at primary levels through residents and villagers committees.