One country, two systems
"One country, two systems" (一国两制) is an idea originally proposed by Deng Xiaoping for the unification of China. In 1984, Deng Xiaoping proposed to apply the principle to Hong Kong in the negotiation talks with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Margaret Thatcher.
The principle is that while Mainland China practices socialism, Hong Kong and Macau, which were formerly colonies of United Kingdom and Portugal respectively, can continue to practice capitalism under a high degree of autonomy for fifty years after their reunification with Mainland China.
The establishment of these regions, called Special Administrative Regions (SARs), are authorized by Article V of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China. Hong Kong and Macau were handed over to the People's Republic of China on July 1, 1997 and December 20, 1999 respectively. In Hong Kong, the system has been implemented through the Basic Law of Hong Kong consistent with the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Similar arrangements are in place with Macau.
This system has also been proposed by the PRC government for Taiwan, but the Republic of China government in Taiwan has refused this offer. The concept of "One country, two systems" tends to be highly unpopular in Taiwan, with polls consistently showing 80% opposition and only about 10% support. All of the major parties in Taiwan, including those that lean toward Chinese reunification have come out strongly against "One country, two systems". One of the very few Taiwanese who have publicly supported "One country, two systems" is novelist Li Ao.
A number of international observers and human rights organisations have expressed doubts on the future of the freedom of expressing political opinions in Hong Kong. They considered, for example, that the proposals on Article 23 of the Basic Law in 2003 (which was withdrawn due to mass opposition) might have undermined freedoms. Some also criticized that Beijing's influence on the democratic constitutional developments in Hong Kong in 2004 could undermine the pledge of a high level of autonomy in the region.
Nonetheless, the governments in Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China both consider that the principle has been sucessfully implemented, quoting official reports of both the United Kingdom and the United States. Public polls have also shown that among the various areas of governance, the public is most satisfied with the degree of freedoms enjoyed.
See also:
External links
Referenced By
Chinese province | Chinese provinces | Divisions of China | HKSAR | Hong-Kong | Hong Kong | Hong Kong, China | Hong Kong, city | Hong Kong SAR, China | Hong Kong Special Administrative Region | Hongkong | ISO 3166-1:HK | LEE Ao | Li Ao | List of China-related topics M-Z | List of Chinese numbered policies | List of Hong Kong-related topics | Martin Lee Chu-ming | Municipalities in China | Political divisions of China | Political divisions of the People's Republic of China | Province of China | Provinces of China | Provinces of the PRC | Provinces of the People's Republic of China | Right of abode issue, Hong Kong | Special Administrative Region | Special administrative regions | Subdivisions of China
|
