Hong Kong: Ten Years After the Handover

摘要

In the 10 years that have passed since the reversion of Hong Kong from British to Chinese sovereignty, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has selected its first Chief Executive, only to have him step down and be replaced in a controversial process. Belated changes by the British in the makeup of Hong Kong's Legislative Council were initially undone, but subsequent changes in the council's selection process have brought things back nearly to where they stood prior to the Handover. There also is unease about the independence of Hong Kong's judicial system and the protection provided by Hong Kong's Basic Law in light of decisions made by the Chinese government. The civil liberties of the people of Hong Kong remain largely intact, in part because of the increased politicization of the people of Hong Kong. The freedom of the press in Hong Kong is still strong, but also faces challenges. Economically, Hong Kong is still a major international financial center and a leading gateway into China. However, Hong Kong's economic interaction with the Chinese mainland has grown deeper and broader over the last 10 years than was expected. This closer tie to the mainland is being bolstered by the signing of a free trade agreement in 2003, called the 'Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement' (CEPA). There has been a decline in Hong Kong's expatriate community, including U.S. nationals. Also, there is a perception that Hong Kong's middle class is disappearing. Underlying many of these social and cultural trends is a redefinition of Hong Kong by its residents, indicating a closer identification with China. Few of these long-term trends have had a significant effect on Hong Kong's relations with the United States. Under the U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, the United States treats Hong Kong as a separate entity in a variety of political and economic areas so long as the HKSAR remains sufficiently autonomous from China.