How Hong Kong can have democracy under ‘one country, two systems’

Tian Feilong says the opposition in Hong Kong needs to sever ties with the independence camp to win Beijing’s trust for political reform within the ‘831’ framework, which is a historic milestone on the road to democracy

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Tian Feilong

Published: 5:05pm, 4 Oct 2017Updated: 7:04pm, 4 Oct 2017

Beijing’s “831” decision on the election framework for Hong Kong should not be seen as a roadblock for democratisation. Illustration: Craig Stephens

Three years after the Occupy protests, Hong Kong’s constitutional system is undergoing a subtle change, where “one country” has become more important, while “two systems” is under integration.

The “full autonomy” movement launched by the opposition – with the support of local and foreign forces – is in a quandary, rendering them frustrated and powerless.

“Hong Kong Independence” banners put up at university campuses were an expression of this frustration, while cold-blooded attacks on Education Undersecretary Christine Choi Yuk-lin after her son’s death were a way to vent their anger over the political reality.

Two decades after the handover, Beijing is no longer standing on the sidelines in governing Hong Kong. It is now effectively coping with the opposition’s “full autonomy” confrontation project, by using a united front strategy and the rule of law.

Under “one country, two systems” and the Basic Law, “full autonomy” for Hong Kong is entirely possible.

The Basic Law of Hong Kong

First, the sovereignty owned by Beijing is basically not the right to govern. It also lacks the right to fully control all matters. This explains why national authority does not penetrate Hong Kong’s autonomy.