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The Wisdom of Deng Xiaoping: Why choose 'One Country, Two Systems' to solve the Hong Kong problem?
In the 1980s, Deng Xiaoping proposed the concept of "one country, two systems" in order to properly solve Hong Kong's future problems. This concept is not only applicable to Hong Kong, but also to Macau and the future reunification of Taiwan. Even today, this policy remains an important topic that triggers widespread discussion and thought.
The origin of "One Country, Two Systems"
The concept of "one country, two systems" coincided with the historical period when Britain and China were negotiating the handover of Hong Kong. Deng Xiaoping realized that Hong Kong had a history of 156 years under British rule and its political and economic systems had unique operating models. If not handled properly, it might lead to huge risks of instability.
Deng Xiaoping emphasized that the core of "one country, two systems" is to ensure the reunification of China while allowing Hong Kong to maintain its original economic and administrative systems.
Hong Kong’s special background
Before Hong Kong returned to China in 1997, it had been a British colony. Its rule of law, language, culture and other aspects were all influenced by the British. Therefore, Deng Xiaoping mentioned in the return negotiations that necessary dynamic adjustments must be made to maintain social stability.
Deng Xiaoping said that "one country, two systems" is not only a political arrangement, but also an effective measure to ensure Hong Kong's prosperity.
Legal basis of the system
After Hong Kong's return, the Chinese government agreed to protect Hong Kong's capitalist system for 50 years. This commitment is reflected in the "Hong Kong Basic Law." This law clarifies the independence of Hong Kong's legal system and economic system, and also safeguards a number of basic human rights and freedoms.
Article 5 of the Basic Law clearly stipulates that the old capitalist system must be maintained in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The changes of "One Country, Two Systems"
Over time, the implementation of this policy has faced many challenges. Since the passage of the National Security Law in 2020, many international observers believe that China has violated the original intention of "one country, two systems", which has triggered a series of protests.
The main demand of these protests is for greater democracy and freedom, which coincides with Deng Xiaoping's original commitment.
Perspectives for the future
In the context of facing internal and external challenges, whether "one country, two systems" can continue to effectively maintain Hong Kong's uniqueness and prosperity has become the focus of public attention. Deng Xiaoping's original intention may have been to use this system to make Hong Kong the epitome of the integration of Chinese and Western cultures. However, the next fifty years will be a critical period for the success of this policy.
Now, the core of the question is: where will Hong Kong go in the future?
