One Country, Two Systems: Retreat or reboot?

Prof. CHEUNG expected that under the new political environment, Hong Kong’s development would inevitably be shaped by China’s evolving reality, but the city’s development is not totally pre-determined. Unique characteristics could be a benefit or threat to the nation, the key is whether the city understands what it can do and should do to maintain its vibrancy and resilience. He explained that Hong Kong should rely more on China’s global advantage than the “internal circulation” to sustain its global status. Moreover, Hong Kong should make an effort to assert its voice and presence within the nation.2020 is a watershed of Hong Kong SAR’s development under “One Country, Two Systems”. Reacting to political disorder and social unrest, the Chinese central government promulgated a national security law and a new electoral system in Hong Kong to guarantee that the city is governed by ‘patriots’. On 6 November 2021, instead of being purely optimistic or pessimistic, Prof. CHEUNG, Prof. LUI, and Dr. HO, provided objective analysis of political challenges facing Hong Kong as well as pragmatic solutions.

Prof. LUI remarked that assuming “One Country, Two Systems” accomplished its mission in 1997 was a wrong approach. It needs adaption to both the changing local socio-economic environment and international politics. Institutional gaps, e.g., national security and the pace of democratization, are to be fixed. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and deal with “parameters” of the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. Moreover, it is essential for the SAR to prove that Hong Kong as a global city is still valuable to China and compatible with national security concerns.

Dr. HO first clarified some misunderstandings among Hong Kong people. For example, the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong are key goals of “One Country, Two Systems” only if they support the sovereignty, safety, and development interests of China. Second, he pointed out that political integration lagged behind economic integration. Furthermore, political integration needs the participation of government officials and citizens. Third, he concluded that under “One Country, Two Systems”, the best scenario is that Hong Kong’s system is different from, yet beneficial to China.