SCIO briefing: Views of experts and scholars on Hong Kong's current situation
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E-mail China.org.cn, August 16, 2019
Bloomberg:
My question is about revising the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law. After the incidents in the past two months, do you think that it is necessary to revise them? If yes, how to do it? Who will initiate the process? Thank you.
Chen Duanhong:
In the past two months, I heard lots of doubts about the specific policies of the "one country, two systems" and the institutional arrangement of the Basic Law. There have also been questions as to whether it is necessary to change some policies, to "tamper with" the Basic Law, or to initiate an amendment procedure? I think we need to reflect on that. While raising such questions, do you think the "one country, two systems" is wrong? If you think so, I want to ask: Where does it go wrong? And which specific statement within it is wrong? When some practices don't work or create controversies, there may emerge a social, political or economic crisis, but not necessarily a constitutional one. We must not mix the two issues.
As for the "one country, two systems," there are actually a broad concept and a narrow one. The narrow concept refers to basic policies. The Basic Law stipulates that the previous capitalist system and way of life shall remain unchanged in Hong Kong for 50 years. Any amendment of the law must not contradict that stipulation, thus constituting a restriction on amendments. Any country would adjust their specific policies due to a political, social or economic crisis. Specific polices are very flexible. So, I think it depends on from which perspective you view the issue. In the fundamental or broad sense, the central government has repeatedly emphasized some points, including the unswerving implementation of "one country, two systems." Here I would like to remind you of one thing: is social crisis equivalent to constitutional crisis? That's what I want to remind you.
Article 159 of the Basic Law stipulates that the power to propose bills for amendments to this Law shall be vested in the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council and the HKSAR. However, I can't understand what the current situation in Hong Kong has to do with the amendment of the Basic Law. As to whether it is necessary to adjust some policies in the future, I cannot make such a judgement. It should depend on the judgement of relevant departments themselves. Thank you.
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