Chapter 7

Special Territories 1

7.1. Hong Kong: intermediate zone

Hong Kong is the only territory of its kind in relation to its geographical position, its political status, its culture, and its history. This territory represents the special cases of States or zones in the world which find themselves at a crossroads between two worlds, marking a boundary between cultures and civilizations. These places are the center of attention, and have become major issues. If Hong Kong is a step towards China for both businesses and also tourists, then it is also a rallying point for those against the Beijing regime, because what is forbidden in China is still often authorized or tolerated in Hong Kong. The opposition’s claims can therefore be voiced there. Naturally, cyberspace will be a tool through which these tensions, crises or confrontations will be expressed.

7.1.1. Strategic and political situation in Hong Kong

Since 1997, the special administrative region of Hong Kong has returned to China. The principle of “one country, two systems”, proposed in 1984 by Deng Xiaoping during negotiations with the UK on the retrocession of Hong Kong to China, rules the territory. Conforming to this principle, Hong Kong will be able to pursue its activities with a high level of autonomy until 2047 (50 years after retrocession to China in 1997). The principles governing Hong Kong are written into the Basic Law1, the constitutional document promulgated by China in 1990.

Well before 1997, Hong Kong had ...

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