One country, two systems: What will 1997 mean in telecommunications?

This article discusses the significance of the 1997 sovereignty transfer for the development of telecommunications in the greater China region. The article argues that the verbally simple 'one country, two systems' formula papers over the complexities of what will actually be a long-term process of convergence or integration between the telecommunications regimes of Hong Kong and China. Although the results of that process are indeterminate, the article describes three basic models for structuring the relationship between Hong Kong and China. It goes on to identify some of the political and economic interests which create tendencies to select one or the other model, as well as the implications of each model for economic development.