Promises made in Sino-British Joint Declaration must continue to be kept
- Landmark treaty ensures Hong Kong has high degree of autonomy, protection of rights and freedoms, and ongoing capitalist system
The signing of the draft Sino-British Joint Declaration, 35 years ago this week, is a landmark in Hong Kong’s history, providing for the city’s return to China in 1997. The passage of time has not dimmed interest in or controversy over this extraordinary legal document.
Is universal suffrage as out of reach as ever for Hong Kong?
China has accepted that the joint declaration, lodged with the United Nations, is binding. What it does not accept is that the treaty gives Britain the right to have a say in Hong Kong affairs after 1997. There is, however, clearly an international dimension to the document. If Hong Kong was to enjoy the special status provided under the one country, two systems concept, that had to be recognised by the international community. The way this was done was through the signing of the joint declaration.
Beijing’s critics use the treaty to challenge its handling of Hong Kong. But they should be aware of what it says and what it does not. Universal suffrage, for example, is not mentioned. The ultimate goal of universal suffrage was added to the Basic Law at a late stage of the drafting process.
The joint declaration was signed in a constructive, pragmatic spirit signalling a new direction for China and making important promises to Hong Kong. Whatever its legal significance, the treaty continues to have relevance and its promises must be kept.