One Country, Two Systems: Theory into Practice

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was established on July 1, 1997, when the former colony was handed over by Britain to China. Thereafter the policy of One Country, Two Systems began as dictated by the Basic Law. This article examines the evolution of the One Country, Two Systems policy and discusses how this policy has been reflected in the Basic Law. As any change in the Basic Law may affect the implementation of this policy, and perhaps the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, this article also analyses the scheme, policies and rules in relation to interpreting and amending the Basic Law. It advocates for learning from the experience of other common law jurisdictions and recommends adopting the principles of consistency, progressiveness and foreseeability in interpreting the Basic Law