One Country, two system
One Country, two system is a constitutional principle describing the governance of Hong Kong and Macau since the two autonomous region became part of China in 1997.It was formulated within the early 1980s by Deng Xiaoping , the Paramount leader of China, during negotiations with the UK over Hong Kong.
Meaning of One Country, Two System
Under the principle, each of these two regions could still have its own governmental system, legal economic and financial affairs, trade relations with others countries, all of which are independent from Mainland of china.The same principle laid down the mini constitution for Hong Kong , known as the Basic Law.
Why hasn’t Hong Kong enacted its own national security law since the handover?
Article 23 of the essential Law - Hong Kong's de facto constitution- calls on the government to " enact laws on its own to ban any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People's Government.But almost 23 years after the previous British colony was handed back to China,the law was tried to pass. The last attempt in 2003 was met with protests and the legislation was shelved.
Why China is trying to pass the bill?
Beijing has long been frustrated by this failure and the fear of the type of widespread unrest seen last year when extradition law tried to impsed with mainland China. Those mass protests, which lasted over six months and grew increasingly violent and disruptive before the coronavirus pandemic drew them to a partial halt, were a serious challenge to Beijing's control over Hong Kong.
Under what authority, China is passing bill
As Per Article 18 of the Basic Law, " laws listed in Annex III shall be confined to those concerning defence and foreign affairs also as other matters outside the bounds of the autonomy of the Region. If any subject is added in the Annex III, then Chinese Government can make law on that subject China is using that Annex III list to legislate. Hong Kong introduced the laws previously by law of Annex III include regulations regarding China's exclusive economic zone , which has an effect on territorial claims within the South China Sea, and legislation regarding foreign banks. In recent years,the communist party of China has taken a wider view to Annex III, and in 2017 it added a anthem Law to the list.
China Rationale behind its decision
The spokesperson for the legislature (Zhang Yesui ) said “In light of the new circumstances and wish , the National people’s Congress(NPC) is exercising its constitutional power to determine a replacement legal framework and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security in Hong Kong.
Opposition Lawmaker said
Dennis Kwok, an opposition lawmaker in the city said “Make no mistake about it, that Beijing, the Central People’s Government, has completely breached its promise to the Hong Kong people, a promise that was enshrined in the Sino British Joint Declaration, and the Basic Law,”
Pro Democracy Activists
Some of the city’s pro democracy activists say Beijing may wish to put the new legislation in place before Hong Kong’s legislative elections in
September where pro democracy parties could suffer heavy losses.Maya Wang, a senior China researcher for Human Rights Watch Tweeted.
US Congress Statement
In Washington, member of Congress Condemned the move, with senators promising an urgent push on legislation that would impose sanctions on
Chinese officials and institutions involved in undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy.
US President Donald Trump
US President is constantly blaming China for Corona virus. Such move will add fuel to the fire. On this US President Donald Trump said President Trump said details on Beijing’s plans aren’t yet known and promised to “address that issue very strongly” if China moves on.
US Secretary of State
On Friday, Mr. Pompeo issued a blistering statement saying the pending People’s Congress action would “ be a death knell ” for Hong Kong’s autonomy and would “ inevitably impact our assessment of one Country, Two Systems and the status of the territory. Under an amendment Congress adopted last year, the State Department must issue a report on whether the territory remains “sufficiently
autonomous” to justify the measures, which include exemption from tariffs applied to mainland exports.If a negative report by the State Department led to a repeal of the privileges, Hong Kong’s economy would be devastated.
Other countries Reaction
Almost 200 political figures from round the world have added to increasing condemnation of Beijing's proposed national security laws for Hong Kong.
Foreign Diplomats
Foreign diplomats said China appeared cognizant of the likely international concerns arising from new national security laws in Hong Kong. China arranged calls and sent letters to some of the foreign
embassies.
China's Reaction
As China has informed the Foreign Diplomats, it means China has evaluated How Washington would respond, and has been prepared for possible challenges. According to them, US does not represent the West. Many other countries have their interests in Hong Kong.As the US willfully imposes sanctions around the world, it is jeopardizing its own interests.
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