Hong Kong's Basic Law: The Path to 1997, Paved with Pitfalls

In 1997, one hundred years of British colonial rule will end, and Hong Kong will revert back to the People's Republic of China. At that time, the political, legislative, religious, educational, economic, legal, and social aspects of life in Hong Kong will be governed by the "Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China." This Article discusses the historical background of Hong Kong and explores some of the troubling issues raised by the adoption of the Basic Law. The Article particularly focuses on the question of whether the main purpose of the Basic Law - to maintain a "One Country, Two System" - can be achieved. The author concludes that the economic prosperity of Hong Kong can be maintained after 1997, but only if the People's Republic of China allows Hong Kong to operate independently.