Tensions between China and the United States on the Hong Kong "board
The recent Sino-American tensions have been gaining new chapters. The epicentre of the crisis is now Hong Kong. The two countries have been waging an economic, political and legislative dispute on a global level that now spills over to the small former British colony. On July 14, US President Donald Trump announced the end of his country's special treatment for Hong Kong, claiming that the new security law, sanctioned by China, removes the region's autonomy.
In 1982, the Chinese and British opened negotiations on the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong to China. The two countries signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984, putting an end to British sovereignty in the region and returning the territory to China which had been acquired in the controversial Treaty of Nanjing. The transfer took place through the principle of "one country, two systems", which brings a certain level of autonomy to the region. A sort of "mini constitution" of Hong Kong was created, called Basic Law. It states that Hong Kong should be treated as a special administrative region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The Basic Law guarantees Hong Kong freedom of speech and free assembly, and creates its own executive, legislative and judiciary for the region, but the appointment of the chief executive must be approved by Beijing. Foreign policy and defence matters are the exclusive preserve of the PRC; the Basic Law is valid until 2047.
China recently enacted the National Security Law for Hong Kong. The political camp known as "pro-democracy", has come out against Beijing's decision. For them, this means a serious violation of the Basic Law and violates Hong Kong's autonomy recognised by China. In response from Washington, the current Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, said that his country can no longer recognise the region as autonomous from China. In a statement the Department of State (DoS) stated:
"The Department of State is obligated by law to certify to Congress annually whether Hong Kong continues to warrant differential treatment under U.S. law. After careful consideration, as required by section 301 of the Hong Kong Policy Act, I can no longer certify that Hong Kong continues to warrant such treatment."
The US head of state, Donald Trump, still signed a series of sanctions on Hong Kong government officials if they comply with the new security law imposed by Beijing. The decision is seen by many analysts as another "backdrop" to the hegemonic dispute between Beijing and Washington.
Luiz Leandro Garcia
Tutor of the Postgraduate Course in International Law at CEDIN
References:
https://www.state.gov/2020-hong-kong-policy-act-report/
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-49633862?ocid=socialflow_twitter
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/hong-kong-protest-security-laws-china-1.5582589
Tag:america, basic law, british, donald trump, United States, hong kong, bell, board, tension
