'One country, two systems': Hong Kong's special status

Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 under a handover agreement that guaranteed the territory certain levels of autonomy and freedoms unseen on the mainland — and that “one country, two systems” deal is at the centre of the row between London and Beijing.Hong Kong was ceded to Britain in perpetuity by China in the mid-1800s. But following lengthy negotiations more than a century later, London and Beijing agreed a deal to that would see it handed back to China.

Pre-1997 laws would “remain basically unchanged”, and locals would make up the city’s leadership structure. It would also have an independent trade, finance and customs status, and there would be “free flow of capital” — unlike the mainland.The declaration stated explicitly that the “social and economic systems in Hong Kong will remain unchanged” and rights would be guaranteed.

This meant Hong Kong, while a part of China, would have a degree of freedom unseen by citizens of the mainland.Hong Kong continues to enjoy its special status more than two decades after its return to China, but criticism of Beijing’s policies in the city has grown.

South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Asian markets stutter after rally, Hong Kong brushes off protestsThe flare-up comes after weeks of massive demonstrations over a push to pass a bill that would allow extraditions to the mainland.
Source: TheCitizen_News - 🏆 6. / 75 Read more »

Three lessons from the Hong Kong protestsThe massive protests in Hong Kong in recent weeks have demonstrated the depth of its citizens’ determination to uphold their democratic way of life.
Source: mailandguardian - 🏆 2. / 92 Read more »

AB InBev maker hopes to raise $10bn in Hong Kong IPOThe deal by the brewer will be a coup for Hong Kong with the cash allowing Budweiser to create a ‘local champion’
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »

Hong Kong leader condemns 'extremely violent' protests | News | World | M&GHong Kong’s leader on Tuesday condemned “the extreme use of violence” by masked protesters who stormed and ransacked the city’s legislature in an unprecedented challenge to Beijing’s authority.
Source: mailandguardian - 🏆 2. / 92 Read more »

Hong Kong police to hunt down parliament’s ransackersInvestigators gather DNA and fingerprint evidence from the damaged building in pursuit of protesters
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »

Hong Kong police to hunt down parliament’s ransackersInvestigators gather DNA and fingerprint evidence from the damaged building in pursuit of protesters
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »