The autonomy of Hong Kong under 'One Country, Two Systems'

Abstract

This chapter considers the case of Hong Kong’s autonomy in the light of the general theory and practice of autonomy as an important political and constitutional phenomenon in the contemporary world. The first section of the chapter introduces the general considerations and usual features of arrangements of autonomy in federal and unitary states. The second section considers the “One Country, Two Systems” (OCTS) constitutional framework in the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of Hong Kong from the perspective of autonomy. The historical origins of OCTS, its constitutional design, and its practice since 1997 will be discussed, and the strengths and limitations of the autonomy of the Hong Kong SAR will be identified. The third section explores some distinctive features of Hong Kong’s autonomy under OCTS, particularly the political divide between the pro-China and pro-democracy forces in Hong Kong’s politics, different understandings of Hong Kong’s autonomy, and the informal role played by Beijing within Hong Kong’s political system. The concluding section of the chapter reflects on Hong Kong’s experience in the practice of autonomy and ponders its future.