Hong Kong Negotiations Insights
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Questions and Answers

What was one of the key issues discussed by Deng regarding Hong Kong?

  • The promotion of communism in Hong Kong
  • The cultural exchange between China and Britain
  • The maintenance of British laws in Hong Kong
  • The issue of sovereignty (correct)

Which system will continue to be practiced in Hong Kong as per Deng's statements?

  • Socialism
  • Communism
  • Feudalism
  • Capitalism (correct)

What was the purpose of the Sino-British Joint Declaration?

  • To grant immediate independence to Hong Kong
  • To replace all British laws with Chinese laws
  • To establish a military base in Hong Kong
  • To outline the principles of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ (correct)

Which of the following is NOT one of the stated issues leading to the discussions about Hong Kong?

<p>Plans for a cultural exchange program (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the two sides expected to do according to Deng's suggestion?

<p>Begin consultation on the issue of Hong Kong (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many rounds of talks occurred during the second stage of negotiations about Hong Kong?

<p>22 rounds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What assurance did Margaret Thatcher seek regarding Hong Kong’s future?

<p>An agreement on administrative arrangements (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the laws in Hong Kong after 1997?

<p>The majority of the current laws may continue (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Chief Executive in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as per Annex I of the Basic Law?

<p>To be elected by an Election Committee (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many members were in the Election Committee after the reforms in 2021?

<p>1,500 members (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Legislative Council according to Article 73 of the Basic Law?

<p>To appoint government officials (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sector was added when the Election Committee expanded from four to five sectors in 2021?

<p>Election sector (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of seats in the Legislative Council after the 2021 changes?

<p>90 seats (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which legal system does Hong Kong follow?

<p>Common law system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year was the election method for the Chief Executive adopted?

<p>1990 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the number of seats returned by geographical constituencies changed from 1998 to 2021?

<p>Decreased from 30 to 20 seats (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which article establishes the structure of Hong Kong Courts?

<p>Article 81 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main characteristics of the courts in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region?

<p>They operate independent of outside interference. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which court holds the power of final adjudication in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region?

<p>Court of Final Appeal (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to which article is the power of interpretation of the Basic Law vested?

<p>Article 158 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is described as a hybrid regime in the context of Hong Kong?

<p>A regime that mixes electoral and non-electoral elements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Legislative Council (LegCo) play during the colonial era?

<p>A council that mainly helped in endorsing government proposals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of consultative politics as described in the content?

<p>To engage the population in public decision-making. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which article indicates that members of the judiciary shall be immune from legal action in their judicial functions?

<p>Article 85 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main focuses of MacLehose’s social reforms during his tenure?

<p>Public housing development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals served as the governor of Hong Kong after Murray MacLehose?

<p>Edward Youde (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the three unequal treaties signed by the Qing government?

<p>To allocate Hong Kong territories to Britain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which decade did the British start negotiations with China regarding Hong Kong?

<p>1970s (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary governance problems faced in Hong Kong during the 1950s and 1960s?

<p>Corruption and living conditions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What assurance did Jimmy McGregor emphasize was necessary for investors in Hong Kong in 1976?

<p>Assurances from the PRC government (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT part of MacLehose's social reforms?

<p>Urban infrastructure development (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant warning was given in the declassified document prepared for Margaret Thatcher in 1979?

<p>The imminent expiration of the New Territories lease (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the process where governing elites assimilate socio-economic elites into political decision-making bodies?

<p>Administrative absorption of politics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Green Paper in the context of consultative politics?

<p>To stimulate public discussion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the government in 2007 describe 'civic engagement'?

<p>As a means to achieve good governance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method was used in the Kai Tak Planning Review to involve the public early in the process?

<p>Hosting design forums (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of consultative politics as mentioned in the content?

<p>It aims to build consensus through consultation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase in the consultative process is signified by the issuance of a White Paper?

<p>Presenting the government's official policy position (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do influential professional and business elites play in the advisory bodies, according to the excerpt?

<p>They feel integrated into the political system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes traditional consultation methods from civic engagement?

<p>Civic engagement co-exists and refines traditional methods. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does consultative politics under an executive-led structure imply about public involvement?

<p>The government opens parts of its agenda to public consultation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of the relationship between the government and civil society in consultative politics?

<p>Collaboration is emphasized to enhance public ownership in policy-making. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key feature does advisory bodies provide within the consultation practices?

<p>They co-opt business-professional elites for effective governance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant change in the number of advisory and statutory bodies from 1997 to 2013?

<p>An increase from 284 to 467 bodies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 65 of the Basic Law indicate about advisory bodies?

<p>The establishment of advisory bodies by executive authorities will be maintained. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How were issues concerning Hong Kong's future addressed in the 1970s?

<p>Discussions began and continued into the 1980s with Sino-British negotiations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What implication does the increasing number of advisory bodies suggest about the governance in Hong Kong?

<p>Consultation remains an important aspect of governance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event set the stage for the formulation of the Basic Law in Hong Kong?

<p>The Sino-British Negotiations and signing of the Joint Declaration. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Chief Executive Election Method

The Chief Executive of Hong Kong is elected by an Election Committee, based on Annex I of the Basic Law. The committee is designed to represent the various interests of Hong Kong society.

Election Committee (EC)

The Election Committee (EC) is responsible for electing the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. It's composed of members representing different sectors of society and has been expanded multiple times.

2010 Electoral Reform

The 2010 electoral reform expanded the size of the Election Committee from 800 to 1200 members, increasing the representation of different sectors.

2021 Electoral Reform

The 2021 electoral reform further expanded the Election Committee from 1200 to 1500 members, adding a fifth sector.

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LegCo's Main Functions

The Legislative Council (LegCo) in Hong Kong has significant power. Its main functions include enacting laws, approving budgets, examining government policies, and overseeing the judiciary.

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LegCo Composition

The Legislative Council (LegCo) in Hong Kong is composed of elected members from different constituencies. The number of members from each type of constituency has changed over time.

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Hong Kong's Legal System

Hong Kong operates under a common law system, meaning legal decisions are based on precedents and judicial interpretations.

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Court of Final Appeal

The Court of Final Appeal is the highest court in Hong Kong's legal system. The LegCo has the power to approve the appointments and removals of judges to this court.

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Letters Patent & Royal Instructions

These documents outlined the fundamental legal framework of British colonial rule in Hong Kong, defining the powers of the Governor and the structure of the government.

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Executive Council

An advisory body to the Governor, composed of appointed members, which reviewed and advised on government policies and legislation.

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Legislative Council

A legislative body with a mix of appointed and elected members, responsible for enacting laws and scrutinizing government policies.

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MacLehose's Social Reforms

A series of initiatives that aimed to improve living conditions, reduce corruption, and modernize Hong Kong's infrastructure. Key reforms included public housing, development of new towns, expansion of civil service, country park planning, education expansion, and the establishment of the ICAC.

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Treaty of Nanking

The Qing government ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain in 1842, marking the beginning of British colonial rule.

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Convention of Peking

In 1860, the Qing government ceded the Kowloon Peninsula to Britain, extending British control over another part of Hong Kong.

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Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory

The Qing government leased the New Territories to Britain for 99 years in 1898, giving the British control of a major portion of Hong Kong.

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Sino-British Negotiations

A series of talks and discussions between the British and Chinese governments in the late 1970s and early 1980s, focusing on the future of Hong Kong following the expiration of the New Territories lease in 1997.

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Hong Kong's Judicial System

The judicial system in Hong Kong is based on common law and has a high degree of judicial independence. The Court of Final Appeal is the highest court.

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Article 81 of the Basic Law

This article guarantees the continuation of the existing judicial system in Hong Kong, with the exception of changes necessary to establish the Court of Final Appeal.

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Article 84 of the Basic Law

This article states that Hong Kong's courts will apply the laws in force within the region and may refer to precedents from other common law jurisdictions.

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Judicial Independence in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's courts are independent from interference by the executive or legislative branches. Article 85 protects judicial independence and grants immunity to judges.

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Article 82 of the Basic Law

This article establishes the Court of Final Appeal and grants it the authority to invite judges from other common law jurisdictions.

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Article 158 of the Basic Law

This article establishes the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (SCNPC) as the sole entity with the power to interpret the Basic Law.

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Hybrid Political System

Hong Kong's political system is characterized by a mix of both electoral and non-electoral elements, resulting in a 'hybrid' regime.

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ExCo

Executive Council, the highest advisory body to the Chief Executive of Hong Kong.

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Advisory System

A system that utilizes advice from various groups and individuals to enhance decision-making in governance.

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Administrative Absorption of Politics

A process where governing elites integrate socio-economic elites into political decision-making, creating a sense of shared interests and legitimacy.

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Consultative Politics

A political approach that emphasizes gathering public opinion and advice before implementing policies.

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Green Paper

A document initiating discussion on a proposed policy, seeking public feedback.

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White Paper

A document outlining the government's official policy position on a particular topic.

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Civic Engagement

A refined form of consultative politics, where the public is actively involved in shaping policy decisions.

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Kai Tak Planning Review

A notable example of civic engagement, where the public had a significant role in shaping the planning of Kai Tak.

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Consultative Politics in Hong Kong

A political system where the government seeks public input on policy matters but retains the final decision-making power.

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Advisory Bodies in Hong Kong

Organizations established by the government to provide advice and expertise on various policy matters.

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Colonial Era Advisory Bodies

Advisory bodies used during the colonial period in Hong Kong to engage and co-opt business and professional elites.

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Importance of Advisory Bodies (Colonial Era)

Advisory bodies were considered crucial for maintaining effective governance, political stability, and economic prosperity in colonial Hong Kong.

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Advisory Bodies in the Basic Law

Article 65 of the Basic Law mandates the continuation of the system of establishing advisory bodies by the executive authorities.

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Increase in Advisory Bodies

The number of advisory and statutory bodies in Hong Kong significantly increased between 1997 and 2013, highlighting the importance of consultation in the system.

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Hong Kong's Future Discussions

Discussions regarding Hong Kong's future started in the 1970s and intensified in the 1980s leading to the Sino-British Negotiations and signing of the Joint Declaration in 1984.

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The Basic Law of Hong Kong

Promulgated in 1990, the Basic Law outlines the fundamental political structure of Hong Kong.

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Sovereignty of Hong Kong

The ultimate authority and control over Hong Kong, which China insisted was non-negotiable before the 1997 handover.

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One Country, Two Systems

The principle governing Hong Kong after 1997, allowing the region to maintain its own economic and social systems while under Chinese sovereignty.

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Special Administrative Region (SAR)

A specific region with a high degree of autonomy within a country, like Hong Kong after 1997.

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Sino-British Joint Declaration

The formal agreement signed in 1984 between China and Britain outlining the framework for the handover of Hong Kong in 1997.

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Negotiations Stages

The process of talks between China and Britain leading to the handover of Hong Kong spanned two stages, with many rounds of discussions.

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Deng Xiaoping's Three Issues

Deng Xiaoping, a key Chinese leader, identified three crucial points in the Hong Kong handover: sovereignty, administration, and ensuring stability during the transition.

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Hong Kong's Future Prosperity & Stability

A key concern for both China and Britain during the negotiations, ensuring Hong Kong's continued economic success and peaceful co-existence.

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Margaret Thatcher's Letter

In 1983, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher expressed her willingness to return Hong Kong's sovereignty to China under certain conditions.

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Study Notes

Lecture 6: The Road to Handover and Political Development After 1997

  • The lecture outlines the road to Hong Kong's handover and political development after 1997
  • Course materials are solely for academic purposes and should not be circulated without instructor permission.

Outline of the Lecture

  • Review of the previous lecture covering colonial governance and governance issues
  • Sino-British negotiations
  • Hong Kong's political system
  • Consultative politics in Hong Kong

Review of the Previous Lecture

  • Colonial Governance, including Letters Patent & Royal Instructions, Executive Council & Legislative Council
  • Governance problems in the 1950s-60s: poor living conditions, corruption, and high living expenses
  • MacLehose's Social Reforms, focusing on Public Housing, New Town Development (Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin and Tuen Mun), Civil Servants Expansion, Country Park Planning, and the establishment of the ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) and six years free education, later extended to nine years

The Sino-British Negotiations

  • Key figures in the negotiations, including Murray MacLehose (1972-1982), Edward Youde (1982-1986), David Wilson (1987-1992), and Chris Patten (1992-1997)
  • Three unequal treaties: Treaty of Nanking (1842), which ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain; Convention of Peking (1860), which ceded Kowloon Peninsula; and Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory (1898), leasing the New Territories to Britain for 99 years.
  • British started negotiations in the late 1970s.
  • Declassified documents warn of lease issues in the New Territories expiring in 1997.
  • Concerns raised regarding investor confidence and long-term investment.
  • Deng Xiaoping's visit and statements on the necessity of ending the British occupation and Hong Kong's special position in 1997 to the PRC
  • Initial British reluctance to relinquish occupation, proposing an exchange of sovereignty.
  • PRC refusal to recognize unfair treaties
  • Emphasis on internal affairs of Hong Kong and Macau
  • Discussions on sovereignty, administration after 1997, and avoiding disturbances leading up to the handover
  • Mrs. Thatcher maintained that unequal treaties should remain in place; if China agrees to continued British administration after 1997, Britain may consider Hong Kong sovereignty transfer.
  • Stages of negotiation: First stage (September 1982-June 1983) and Second stage (July 1983-September 1984)
  • Sino-British Joint Declaration, signed in December 1984, outlining 12 basic policies for Hong Kong's transition to become a special administrative region. This included the region's status, autonomy, social and economic systems for Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's Political System

  • Drafting of the Basic Law involving the Drafting Committee, members from both Hong Kong and mainland China.
  • Establishment of the Basic Law Consultative Committee (BLCC) to gather Hong Kong public opinion
  • The Basic Law was published in multiple versions, culminating in its official promulgation by the National People's Congress (NPC) in 1990.
  • Basic Law, Chapter IV delineates the political structure, establishing an executive-led system. 
  • Chief Executive's powers, including dissolving the Legislative Council and making government decisions.
  • Annex I outlining the chief executive election method
  • Electoral reform in 2010 and 2021
  • Legislative Council (LegCo) powers include enacting laws, approving budgets, debates on government policy etc.,
  • Judicial branch: Hong Kong as a common-law jurisdiction.
  • Court system structure, court of final appeal, and judicial independence.

Consultative Politics in Hong Kong

  • Hong Kong's classification as a "hybrid regime"
  • Consultative politics, the government's willingness to consult the population in decision-making
  • Historical consultative practices in the colonial era, such as the Executive and Legislative Councils
  • Use of "Green Paper" and "White Paper" consultations; different intentions and purposes
  • Emphasis on the establishment and importance of advisory bodies
  • Civic engagement and its connection to good governance.
  • Role of advisory bodies in securing consultation and building consensus
  • Maintaining political stability and economic prosperity, viewed as critical aspects of successful governance by the government.

Conclusion

  • Issues concerning Hong Kong's future were discussed as early as the 1970s.
  • The Sino-British Negotiations commenced in the 1980s.
  • The Basic Law, established in 1990, detailed Hong Kong's political structure.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key discussions surrounding Hong Kong's future as addressed by Deng Xiaoping. This quiz covers important agreements, systems, and roles defined during the Sino-British negotiations. Dive into the intricacies of the political landscape that shaped Hong Kong's governance post-1997.

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