Hong Kong

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1 Hong Kong's Political Development amidst Integration with China in the 'One Country, Two Systems' Framework" Student’s Name Institution’s Affiliation Course Code & Title Instructor’s Name Due Date

2 Hong Kong's Political Development amidst Integration with China in the 'One Country, Two Systems' Framework" Hong Kong-China Integration Dynamics There have been significant changes in the region's political scene, economic policies, and degree of autonomy as a result of Hong Kong's absorption with China. Economic integration, the upholding of the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, and the distinct historical, economic, and cultural dynamics of the area have all influenced this complex process. Firstly, the complex economic ties that have developed between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland since China's openness in 1979 are the foundation of the integration between the two regions. Market factors provided the first push for this integration, which resulted in a radical change in Hong Kong's function from a hub for manufacturing to a worldwide center for services. Industries moved significantly across the border in search of cost benefits (Lee, 2020). The economic interconnectedness between the two regions accelerated after China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, securing its status as one of the most open growing countries. The degree of integration, especially in the area of services, required close collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong, which was crucial to the development of both their relationship and the larger concept of "one country, two systems." The idea of extensive integration with China first caused trepidation among Hong Kong's elites, who were worried about maintaining the region's independence and international reputation. Crucial events, such as the SARS outbreak in 2003, the global recession in 2001, and the East Asian financial crisis in 1997, forced a reevaluation. Due to Hong Kong's weaknesses throughout these events, elites in the city had to change their opinion of the Mainland's economic robustness (Sung, 2018). Hong Kong made a bold step toward integration after realizing the

3 advantages of standing with the Mainland in the face of economic difficulties. The changing storyline showed how the region used the economic might of the Chinese Mainland to achieve stability and growth in the face of disasters. In the context of the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, this change paved the way for a future in which the economic destiny of Hong Kong and the Mainland grew more closely coupled. Stronger economic links were largely facilitated by the economic integration of Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, which was highlighted by important turning points like the 2003 signing of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) and the Individual Visitor Scheme (IVS) for visitors from the Mainland. Up to 2015, these measures supported more collaboration and economic interdependence, which aided in Hong Kong's development. The local economy benefited greatly from the increase in Mainland visitors and investments (Class Reading Week 11, 2023). But difficulties also arose as China's economy slowed and the value of the yuan declined. The economic environment was made more complex by tensions in Hong Kong regarding the effects of visitors from the mainland. The shift to a more complex phase of economic integration at this time prompted a reevaluation of the fine balance between Hong Kong's autonomy and its absorption into the larger Chinese economy. The political development of China is significantly influenced by Hong Kong's integration, as evidenced by key accords such as the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) and the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). Since its founding in 2003, CEPA has played a significant role in promoting economic cooperation by giving Hong Kong companies preferential access to the Mainland market. In addition, IVS promotes interpersonal relationships by making cross-border travel easier (Lee, Kwong & Tay, 2019). Nonetheless, these economic endeavors bear noteworthy political ramifications, illuminating the complex balance required to

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4 maintain the "One Country, Two Systems" paradigm. This framework, which is enshrined in the Basic Law of 1990, outlines the precise conditions surrounding Hong Kong's 1997 return to Chinese sovereignty. In the context of the "One Country, Two Systems" concept, the negotiation and implementation of such agreements highlight the continuous difficulty of balancing economic cooperation with the autonomy and unique political system that constitute Hong Kong's uniqueness. The Hong Kong economy is dynamic. Maintaining the city's unique identity within the framework of "One Country, Two Systems" requires careful handling of these differences. Even though the framework gives Hong Kong a great deal of independence including its own currency, distinct fiscal and monetary systems, and other advantages managing the challenges of economic interdependence calls for a careful balance (Cai & Gan, 2019). As integration moves forward, the distinctive qualities that set Hong Kong apart on the international scene are at jeopardy. Achieving this equilibrium entails tackling disparities in regulations, self-interested parties, and persistent obstacles in industries such as finance and services. In order to ensure that Hong Kong maintains its worldwide economic relevance while coexisting within the larger Chinese environment, it is imperative that these complexities are managed successfully. The political growth of the region is greatly impacted by Hong Kong's absorption with China, inside the complex web of Sino-Hong Kong relations. Political dynamics are significantly shaped by Hong Kong's involvement in China's larger efforts, especially the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which goes beyond only the economic components. Due to its historical connections and cosmopolitan nature, Hong Kong serves as an essential hub for social, cultural, and educational interactions that improve cross-border connectedness (Wong & Kwong, 2020). Beijing is able to develop soft power and goodwill on the world scene through the city's strong

5 participation in non-governmental organization (NGO) operations and presence in the international media. Hong Kong's distinct political landscape will continue to be shaped by the complex interactions between economic integration, cultural exchange, and soft power activities as it charts its course within the framework of 'One Country, Two Systems'. However, political obstacles also are present. Tensions are brought on by factors such as income disparity, immigration-related population pressure, and worries over the loss of autonomy. Reflecting the continued complexity of Hong Kong's political evolution within the larger context of its integration into China is the careful balance needed to maintain political stability while managing economic integration. The Basic Law's protections of individual liberties, human rights, and the rule of law in Hong Kong are essential for the mainland government and the government of Hong Kong to follow in order to successfully traverse these obstacles. Maintaining stability, trust, and mutual collaboration between China and Hong Kong depends on these laws being faithfully carried out. Possibilities of the Future of "One Country, Two Systems A multitude of elements, including political dynamics, economic integration, and the changing connection between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, will determine the future of "one country, two systems" (OCTS). This special framework, in place since 1997 when Hong Kong was returned to China, was created to guarantee Hong Kong a high level of autonomy within the greater Chinese nation. Examining the possible directions that this system might go in the upcoming years is essential as the OCTS approach approaches its one-year anniversary. "One country, two systems" might eventually lead to a situation in which Hong Kong is fully integrated into the national economy as a result of increased economic integration between the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. Since China opened up in 1979, there has been a

6 noticeable acceleration in economic integration, which is indicative of this tendency. The economic linkages between Hong Kong and the Mainland have developed to include a variety of sectors, including finance, services, and investment. These ties were initially fueled by market forces and the relocation of Hong Kong's export-oriented manufacturing businesses (Giles et al., 2022). Initiatives like the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), which established a free trade agreement between the two areas in 2003, have made economic integration easier. By giving Hong Kong companies preferential status in the Mainland market, the CEPA increased economic interdependence. With its 2019 inauguration, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a further indication of the continued strengthening of the economic ties between Hong Kong and its bordering Mainland regions. There are several issues that need to be carefully considered as Hong Kong's economic integration with the Chinese Mainland deepens. With Hong Kong's economic connections to the Mainland growing stronger by the day, worries about the region's vulnerability arise, especially when economic downturns or Beijing's political meddling occur (Chan & Wei, 2021). Throughout history, Hong Kong's economic success has been closely associated with its essential function as a global center for finance and an entry point to China. But given the changing dynamics, it appears possible that a significant move toward being an essential component of the national economy might change Hong Kong's economic environment and cast doubt on its ability to withstand difficult times. Hong Kong's journey within the framework of "One Country, Two Systems" is complicated, as evidenced by the interplay between economic integration and possible hazards. Furthermore, while considering the course of One Country, Two Systems (OCTS) after China's rise, it is possible that two separate systems will coexist. This envisions Hong Kong

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7 retaining a significant level of independence while deftly negotiating the complexities of its relationship with the Mainland. Following the 1997 handover, Hong Kong's elites expressed caution about the potential effects on the region's autonomy and international stature, which led to a cautious approach to full integration (Weiss & Wallace, 2021). But difficulties with the economy in the late 1990s and early 2000s forced a reevaluation of tactics. As a result, economic unification was more firmly embraced as a workable solution to Hong Kong's economic problems. The continuing story of Hong Kong's independence in the face of China's rise illustrates a precarious balancing act between safeguarding its distinct identity and utilizing economic cooperation to achieve long-term prosperity. Harmonious coexistence of two separate systems requires careful policy coordinating between the Mainland and Hong Kong. Maintaining equilibrium between the disparities in economic growth, area, and accessibility is essential to the efficient operation of both areas. While economic integration has progressed, certain industries, most notably the services sector, face challenges arising from regulatory inequalities and entrenched interests (Kurniawan et al., 2021). The slow and complex process of liberalizing services, particularly in the financial industry, highlights the ongoing difficulties in harmonizing the two systems. To negotiate these complexity and make sure that each system's distinct qualities work together to promote stability and prosperity overall, vigilant management is essential. In order to improve the symbiotic relationship between Hong Kong and the Mainland, it is necessary to resolve regulatory disparities, promote mutual understanding, and work toward cooperative solutions. Maintaining two separate systems has significant political repercussions, especially after the National Security Law (NSL) goes into effect in 2020. Since the NSL was implemented, there have been many protests and increased tensions as a result of worries about Hong Kong's

8 independence and freedoms being eroded. The complexities of upholding a fine balance between defending Hong Kong's unique characteristics and cooperating with Beijing's ambitions for a more unified China continue to be a tough and continuous task (Hartley & Jarvis, 2020). The conflict between upholding the region's uniqueness and fitting in with the larger political system highlights the intricate relationship between ideology and governing frameworks. The importance of the dual systems paradigm is increased by the increased complexity of the geopolitical environment brought about by international scrutiny and calls for intervention. The long-term effects of Hong Kong's struggle with these complex dynamics will surely influence the course of its political future and its connections with other regions. In conclusion, the future of "one country, two systems" is complex and dynamic, determined by the constant interaction of political dynamics, economic integration, and Hong Kong residents' goals. The potential outcomes span from one in which Hong Kong preserves unique systems while negotiating the challenges of political autonomy to another in which it becomes a vital component of the national economy and is closely entwined with the Mainland. The course of events is expected to be shaped by changing geopolitical conditions, the effectiveness of current projects, and the capacity to meet the needs and goals of the Hong Kong populace. The world will be watching closely as the first year of "one country, two systems" is celebrated and the next chapters in this innovative governance model are written.

9 References Cai, Z., & Gan, J. (2019). Coupled external‐internal dynamics of layered circulation in the South China Sea: A modeling study. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans , 124 (7), 5039- 5053. Chan, K. W., & Wei, Y. (2021). Two systems in one country: The origin, functions, and mechanisms of the rural-urban dual system in China. In Urban China Reframed (pp. 82- 114). Routledge. Class Reading Week 11. (2023). China and Hong Kong. POLS A323F Hong Kong Government and Politics Week 1 1. Giles, J., Lei, X., Wang, G., Wang, S. Y., & Zhao, Y. (2022). One country, two systems: Evidence on retirement patterns in China. In One Country, Two Systems: Evidence on Retirement Patterns in China: Giles, John| uLei, Xiaoyan| uWang, Gewei| uWang, Stephen Yafeng| uZhao, Yaohui. [Sl]: SSRN. Hartley, K., & Jarvis, D. S. (2020). Policymaking in a low-trust state: legitimacy, state capacity, and responses to COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Policy and Society , 39 (3), 403-423. Kurniawan, T. A., Lo, W., Singh, D., Othman, M. H. D., Avtar, R., Hwang, G. H., & Shirazian, S. (2021). A societal transition of MSW management in Xiamen (China) toward a circular economy through integrated waste recycling and technological digitization. Environmental pollution , 277 , 116741. Lee, C. K. M., Ng, K. K. H., Kwong, C. K., & Tay, S. T. (2019). A system dynamics model for evaluating food waste management in Hong Kong, China. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management , 21 , 433-456.

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10 Lee, E. W. (2020). United front, Clientelism, and indirect rule: Theorizing the role of the “Liaison Office” in Hong Kong. Journal of Contemporary China , 29 (125), 763-775. Sung, Y. W. (2018). Becoming part of one national economy: Maintaining two systems in the midst of the rise of China 1. In Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Hong Kong (pp. 66-85). Routledge. Weiss, J. C., & Wallace, J. L. (2021). Domestic politics, China's rise, and the future of the liberal international order. International Organization , 75 (2), 635-664. Wong, M. Y., & Kwong, Y. H. (2020). One formula, different trajectories: China’s coalition- building and elite dynamics in Hong Kong and Macau. Critical Asian Studies , 52 (1), 44- 66.

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