There is no expiry date for the Basic Law.
This was the statement from Under Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Ronald Chan in response to legislators today, saying the fact that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an inalienable part of the country has no time frame.
He said Hong Kong has been implementing "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the Basic Law since its return to the Motherland.
The Central Government, the HKSAR Government and the international community agree the Basic Law has been functioning well since it was implemented, he added.
Basic Law Article 5 says Hong Kong’s capitalist system and way of life will continue for 50 years, however, he said this is not an expiry date.
"The country's sovereignty over Hong Kong will not change 50 years after Hong Kong's return to the Motherland, nor will the country change its basic policies towards Hong Kong after 50 years. Hence, there is no question of the expiry of the Basic Law after 2047."
He rejected claims the Central Government will “Mainlandise” Hong Kong, or turn “one country, two systems” into “one country, one system”.
He said the Central Government is committed to upholding "one country, two systems" and will consider the views of all sectors in Hong Kong.
"We believe Hong Kong will certainly be able to maintain prosperity and stability, and 'one country, two systems' is the best arrangement for Hong Kong," he added.
