Source: www.info.gov.hk
06-08-2007 10:14
Special Report: HK 10 YearsThe Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong (The Joint Declaration) was signed between the Chinese and British Governments on 19 December 1984. The Joint Declaration sets out, among other things, the basic policies of the People's Republic of China (PRC) regarding Hong Kong. Under the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", the socialist system and policies shall not be practised in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Hong Kong's previous capitalist system and life-style shall remain unchanged for 50 years. The Joint Declaration provides that these basic policies shall be stipulated in a Basic Law of the HKSAR.
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From 1 July 1997, Hong Kong has become a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China enjoying a high degree of autonomy. Specific provisions have been laid down in the Basic Law on the changes brought about by this new status and on the implementation of the concept of "One Country, Two Systems", "a high degree of autonomy" and "Hong Kong People ruling Hong Kong".
The Basic Law is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the blueprint for HKSAR's future development. For Hong Kong residents and compatriots in the Mainland, as well as people in other countries, it will be useful to get to know the Basic Law.
For example, a lot of people would like to know whether Hong Kong will maintain a low tax policy; whether the tax paid by HKSAR residents will be handed over to the Central Government; whether English is still the official language; whether the methods in assessing various professional qualifications will be changed; and whether processions, petitions and demonstrations may continue to be held, after China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong on 1 July 1997. The answers to all these questions can be found in the Basic Law.
Editor:Du Xiaodan
