basic law

The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It enshrines within a legal document the important concepts of “One Country, Two Systems.” Under this principle, socialist policies of mainland China are not practiced in Hong Kong.

The Basic Law provides the guarantees to maintain Hong Kong’s existing way of life, including socioeconomic development, the rights and duties of Hong Kong people, the rule of law and other areas.

The Basic Law was put into effect July 1, 1997. 

Q1: Have Hong Kong’s capitalist system and way of life been preserved?

A1: The Basic Law provides that the capitalist system and way of life shall remain unchanged. Hong Kong maintains a free and open market economy with a free flow of capital, goods, information and services, and a freely convertible currency. People’s lifestyles remain the same as before. (BL Articles 5; 112; 115)

Q2: Do Hong Kong people still enjoy a wide range of personal freedoms?

A2: Demonstrations are a part of everyday life in Hong Kong.  Newspapers regularly comment on or criticize government decisions and policies and people say what they want in Hong Kong's open society. The provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and international labor conventions as applied to Hong Kong continue to remain in force. (BL Articles 27-39)