The Basic Law was enacted in accordance with the Constitution. It contains nine chapters, three annexes and other documents. Why is the Basic Law so important?

 

The Basic Law specifies the systems to be applied in the HKSAR, guarantees the implementation of ‘One Country, Two Systems’. Clarifies the constitutional relationship between the HKSAR and the Central Government. Stipulates the legal status of the special administrative region. Expressly specifies that Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China with a high degree of autonomy and directly under the Central Government. It also fully guarantees the basic rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents.

 

In 1985, the drafting work of the Basic Law was still at the preparatory stage. During the Sixth National People’s Congress, the Basic Law Drafting Committee was set-up. The Hong Kong members of the committee were tasked to set-up a broadly representative Basic Law Consultative Committee. The committee held two consultative sessions in Hong Kong and received nearly 80,000 submissions and suggestions.

 

On April 4, 1990, the Third Session of the Seventh National People’s Congress adopted the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and other resolutions and decisions.

 

On July 1, 1997, the Basic Law officially went into force.

Hong Kong is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China.

 

Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping once said the Basic Law is “a law of historic and international significance”. By saying it is of historic significance, it means it had significance for the past, the present and the future.