Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (Chinese and English Text)
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Passed: April 4, 1990 Issued: April 4, 1990 Effective: July 1, 1997 |
The follow translation was retrieved from the Hong Kong Government Web site on March 20, 2013. The Chinese text was retrieved from the Hong Kong Government Web site on March 20, 2013.
Decree of the President of the People's Republic of China
No. 26
I hereby promulgate the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, including Annex I, Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Annex II, Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Its Voting Procedures, Annex III, National Laws to be Applied in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and designs of the regional flag and regional emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which was adopted at the Third Session of the Seventh National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China on 4 April 1990 and shall be put into effect as of 1 July 1997.
(Signed)
Yang Shangkun
President of the People's Republic of China
4 April 1990
The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
(Adopted at the Third Session of the Seventh National People's Congress on 4 April 1990
Promulgated by Order No. 26 of the President of the People's Republic of China on 4 April 1990
Effective as of 1 July 1997)
Preamble
Hong Kong has been part of the territory of China since ancient times; it was occupied by Britain after the Opium War in 1840. On 19 December 1984, the Chinese and British Governments signed the Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong, affirming that the Government of the People's Republic of China will resume the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong with effect from 1 July 1997, thus fulfilling the long-cherished common aspiration of the Chinese people for the recovery of Hong Kong.
Upholding national unity and territorial integrity, maintaining the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and taking account of its history and realities, the People's Republic of China has decided that upon China's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will be established in accordance with the provisions of Article 31 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, and that under the principle of "one country, two systems", the socialist system and policies will not be practised in Hong Kong. The basic policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong have been elaborated by the Chinese Government in the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
In accordance with the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, the National People's Congress hereby enacts the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, prescribing the systems to be practised in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in order to ensure the implementation of the basic policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong.
Chapter I : General Principles
Article 1
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China.
Article 2
The National People's Congress authorizes the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to exercise a high degree of autonomy and enjoy executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, in accordance with the provisions of this Law.
Article 3
The executive authorities and legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be composed of permanent residents of Hong Kong in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Law.
Article 4
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall safeguard the rights and freedoms of the residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and of other persons in the Region in accordance with law.
Article 5
The socialist system and policies shall not be practised in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the previous capitalist system and way of life shall remain unchanged for 50 years.
Article 6
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall protect the right of private ownership of property in accordance with law.
Article 7
The land and natural resources within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be State property. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be responsible for their management, use and development and for their lease or grant to individuals, legal persons or organizations for use or development. The revenues derived therefrom shall be exclusively at the disposal of the government of the Region.
Article 8
The laws previously in force in Hong Kong, that is, the common law, rules of equity, ordinances, subordinate legislation and customary law shall be maintained, except for any that contravene this Law, and subject to any amendment by the legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Article 9
In addition to the Chinese language, English may also be used as an official language by the executive authorities, legislature and judiciary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Article 10
Apart from displaying the national flag and national emblem of the People's Republic of China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may also use a regional flag and regional emblem.
The regional flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a red flag with a bauhinia highlighted by five star-tipped stamens.
The regional emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a bauhinia in the centre highlighted by five star-tipped stamens and encircled by the words "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China" in Chinese and "HONG KONG" in English.
Article 11
In accordance with Article 31 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, the systems and policies practised in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, including the social and economic systems, the system for safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedoms of its residents, the executive, legislative and judicial systems, and the relevant policies, shall be based on the provisions of this Law.
No law enacted by the legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall contravene this Law.
Chapter II : Relationship between the Central Authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Article 12
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be a local administrative region of the People's Republic of China, which shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy and come directly under the Central People's Government.
Article 13
The Central People's Government shall be responsible for the foreign affairs relating to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China shall establish an office in Hong Kong to deal with foreign affairs.
The Central People's Government authorizes the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to conduct relevant external affairs on its own in accordance with this Law.
Article 14
The Central People's Government shall be responsible for the defence of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be responsible for the maintenance of public order in the Region.
Military forces stationed by the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for defence shall not interfere in the local affairs of the Region. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may, when necessary, ask the Central People's Government for assistance from the garrison in the maintenance of public order and in disaster relief.
In addition to abiding by national laws, members of the garrison shall abide by the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Expenditure for the garrison shall be borne by the Central People's Government.
Article 15
The Central People's Government shall appoint the Chief Executive and the principal officials of the executive authorities of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in accordance with the provisions of Chapter IV of this Law.
Article 16
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be vested with executive power. It shall, on its own, conduct the administrative affairs of the Region in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Law.
Article 17
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be vested with legislative power.
Laws enacted by the legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for the record. The reporting for record shall not affect the entry into force of such laws.
If the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, after consulting the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under it, considers that any law enacted by the legislature of the Region is not in conformity with the provisions of this Law regarding affairs within the responsibility of the Central Authorities or regarding the relationship between the Central Authorities and the Region, the Standing Committee may return the law in question but shall not amend it. Any law returned by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress shall immediately be invalidated. This invalidation shall not have retroactive effect, unless otherwise provided for in the laws of the Region.
Article 18
The laws in force in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be this Law, the laws previously in force in Hong Kong as provided for in Article 8 of this Law, and the laws enacted by the legislature of the Region.
National laws shall not be applied in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region except for those listed in Annex III to this Law. The laws listed therein shall be applied locally by way of promulgation or legislation by the Region.
The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress may add to or delete from the list of laws in Annex III after consulting its Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the government of the Region. Laws listed in Annex III to this Law shall be confined to those relating to defence and foreign affairs as well as other matters outside the limits of the autonomy of the Region as specified by this Law.
In the event that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress decides to declare a state of war or, by reason of turmoil within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which endangers national unity or security and is beyond the control of the government of the Region, decides that the Region is in a state of emergency, the Central People's Government may issue an order applying the relevant national laws in the Region.
Article 19
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be vested with independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication.
The courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall have jurisdiction over all cases in the Region, except that the restrictions on their jurisdiction imposed by the legal system and principles previously in force in Hong Kong shall be maintained.
The courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall have no jurisdiction over acts of state such as defence and foreign affairs. The courts of the Region shall obtain a certificate from the Chief Executive on questions of fact concerning acts of state such as defence and foreign affairs whenever such questions arise in the adjudication of cases. This certificate shall be binding on the courts. Before issuing such a certificate, the Chief Executive shall obtain a certifying document from the Central People's Government.
Article 20
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may enjoy other powers granted to it by the National People's Congress, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress or the Central People's Government.
Article 21
Chinese citizens who are residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be entitled to participate in the management of state affairs according to law.
In accordance with the assigned number of seats and the selection method specified by the National People's Congress, the Chinese citizens among the residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall locally elect deputies of the Region to the National People's Congress to participate in the work of the highest organ of state power.
Article 22
No department of the Central People's Government and no province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government may interfere in the affairs which the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region administers on its own in accordance with this Law.
If there is a need for departments of the Central Government, or for provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities directly under the Central Government to set up offices in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, they must obtain the consent of the government of the Region and the approval of the Central People's Government.
All offices set up in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by departments of the Central Government, or by provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities directly under the Central Government, and the personnel of these offices shall abide by the laws of the Region.
For entry into the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, people from other parts of China must apply for approval. Among them, the number of persons who enter the Region for the purpose of settlement shall be determined by the competent authorities of the Central People's Government after consulting the government of the Region.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may establish an office in Beijing.
Article 23
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People's Government, or theft of state secrets, to prohibit foreign political organizations or bodies from conducting political activities in the Region, and to prohibit political organizations or bodies of the Region from establishing ties with foreign political organizations or bodies.
Chapter III : Fundamental Rights and Duties of the Residents
Article 24
Residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("Hong Kong residents") shall include permanent residents and non-permanent residents.
The permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be:
( 1 ) Chinese citizens born in Hong Kong before or after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
( 2 ) Chinese citizens who have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years before or after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
( 3 ) Persons of Chinese nationality born outside Hong Kong of those residents listed in categories (1) and (2);
( 4 ) Persons not of Chinese nationality who have entered Hong Kong with valid travel documents, have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years and have taken Hong Kong as their place of permanent residence before or after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
( 5 ) Persons under 21 years of age born in Hong Kong of those residents listed in category (4) before or after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and
( 6 ) Persons other than those residents listed in categories (1) to (5), who, before the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, had the right of abode in Hong Kong only.
The above-mentioned residents shall have the right of abode in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and shall be qualified to obtain, in accordance with the laws of the Region, permanent identity cards which state their right of abode.
The non-permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be persons who are qualified to obtain Hong Kong identity cards in accordance with the laws of the Region but have no right of abode.
Article 25
All Hong Kong residents shall be equal before the law.
Article 26
Permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall have the right to vote and the right to stand for election in accordance with law.
Article 27
Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of speech, of the press and of publication; freedom of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration; and the right and freedom to form and join trade unions, and to strike.
Article 28
The freedom of the person of Hong Kong residents shall be inviolable.
No Hong Kong resident shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful arrest, detention or imprisonment. Arbitrary or unlawful search of the body of any resident or deprivation or restriction of the freedom of the person shall be prohibited. Torture of any resident or arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of the life of any resident shall be prohibited.
Article 29
The homes and other premises of Hong Kong residents shall be inviolable. Arbitrary or unlawful search of, or intrusion into, a resident's home or other premises shall be prohibited.
Article 30
The freedom and privacy of communication of Hong Kong residents shall be protected by law. No department or individual may, on any grounds, infringe upon the freedom and privacy of communication of residents except that the relevant authorities may inspect communication in accordance with legal procedures to meet the needs of public security or of investigation into criminal offences.
Article 31
Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of movement within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and freedom of emigration to other countries and regions. They shall have freedom to travel and to enter or leave the Region. Unless restrained by law, holders of valid travel documents shall be free to leave the Region without special authorization.
Article 32
Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of conscience.
Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of religious belief and freedom to preach and to conduct and participate in religious activities in public.
Article 33
Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of choice of occupation.
Article 34
Hong Kong residents shall have freedom to engage in academic research, literary and artistic creation, and other cultural activities.
Article 35
Hong Kong residents shall have the right to confidential legal advice, access to the courts, choice of lawyers for timely protection of their lawful rights and interests or for representation in the courts, and to judicial remedies.
Hong Kong residents shall have the right to institute legal proceedings in the courts against the acts of the executive authorities and their personnel.
Article 36
Hong Kong residents shall have the right to social welfare in accordance with law. The welfare benefits and retirement security of the labour force shall be protected by law.
Article 37
The freedom of marriage of Hong Kong residents and their right to raise a family freely shall be protected by law.
Article 38
Hong Kong residents shall enjoy the other rights and freedoms safeguarded by the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Article 39
The provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and international labour conventions as applied to Hong Kong shall remain in force and shall be implemented through the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents shall not be restricted unless as prescribed by law. Such restrictions shall not contravene the provisions of the preceding paragraph of this Article.
Article 40
The lawful traditional rights and interests of the indigenous inhabitants of the "New Territories" shall be protected by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Article 41
Persons in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region other than Hong Kong residents shall, in accordance with law, enjoy the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents prescribed in this Chapter.
Article 42
Hong Kong residents and other persons in Hong Kong shall have the obligation to abide by the laws in force in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Chapter IV : Political Structure
Section 1 : The Chief Executive
Article 43
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be the head of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and shall represent the Region.
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be accountable to the Central People's Government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in accordance with the provisions of this law.
Article 44
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be a Chinese citizen of not less than 40 years of age who is a permanent resident of the Region with no right of abode in any foreign country and has ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 20 years.
Article 45
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be selected by election or through consultations held locally and be appointed by the Central People's Government.
The method for selecting the Chief Executive shall be specified in the light of the actual situation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. The ultimate aim is the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures.
The specific method for selecting the Chief Executive is prescribed in Annex I: "Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region".
Article 46
The term of office of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be five years. He or she may serve for not more than two consecutive terms.
Article 47
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must be a person of integrity, dedicated to his or her duties.
The Chief Executive, on assuming office, shall declare his or her assets to the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This declaration shall be put on record.
Article 48
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall exercise the following powers and functions:
( 1 ) To lead the government of the Region;
( 2 ) To be responsible for the implementation of this Law and other laws which, in accordance with this Law, apply in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
( 3 ) To sign bills passed by the Legislative Council and to promulgate laws;
To sign budgets passed by the Legislative Council and report the budgets and final accounts to the Central People's Government for the record;
( 4 ) To decide on government policies and to issue executive orders;
( 5 ) To nominate and to report to the Central People's Government for appointment the following principal officials: Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries of Departments, Directors of Bureaux, Commissioner Against Corruption, Director of Audit, Commissioner of Police, Director of Immigration and Commissioner of Customs and Excise; and to recommend to the Central People's Government the removal of the above-mentioned officials;
( 6 ) To appoint or remove judges of the courts at all levels in accordance with legal procedures;
( 7 ) To appoint or remove holders of public office in accordance with legal procedures;
( 8 ) To implement the directives issued by the Central People's Government in respect of the relevant matters provided for in this Law;
( 9 ) To conduct, on behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, external affairs and other affairs as authorized by the Central Authorities;
( 10 ) To approve the introduction of motions regarding revenues or expenditure to the Legislative Council;
( 11 ) To decide, in the light of security and vital public interests, whether government officials or other personnel in charge of government affairs should testify or give evidence before the Legislative Council or its committees;
( 12 ) To pardon persons convicted of criminal offences or commute their penalties; and
( 13 ) To handle petitions and complaints.
Article 49
If the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region considers that a bill passed by the Legislative Council is not compatible with the overall interests of the Region, he or she may return it to the Legislative Council within three months for reconsideration. If the Legislative Council passes the original bill again by not less than a two-thirds majority of all the members, the Chief Executive must sign and promulgate it within one month, or act in accordance with the provisions of Article 50 of this Law.
Article 50
If the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region refuses to sign a bill passed the second time by the Legislative Council, or the Legislative Council refuses to pass a budget or any other important bill introduced by the government, and if consensus still cannot be reached after consultations, the Chief Executive may dissolve the Legislative Council.
The Chief Executive must consult the Executive Council before dissolving the Legislative Council. The Chief Executive may dissolve the Legislative Council only once in each term of his or her office.
Article 51
If the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region refuses to pass the budget introduced by the government, the Chief Executive may apply to the Legislative Council for provisional appropriations. If appropriation of public funds cannot be approved because the Legislative Council has already been dissolved, the Chief Executive may, prior to the election of the new Legislative Council, approve provisional short-term appropriations according to the level of expenditure of the previous fiscal year.
Article 52
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must resign under any of the following circumstances:
( 1 ) When he or she loses the ability to discharge his or her duties as a result of serious illness or other reasons;
( 2 ) When, after the Legislative Council is dissolved because he or she twice refuses to sign a bill passed by it, the new Legislative Council again passes by a two-thirds majority of all the members the original bill in dispute, but he or she still refuses to sign it; and
( 3 ) When, after the Legislative Council is dissolved because it refuses to pass a budget or any other important bill, the new Legislative Council still refuses to pass the original bill in dispute.
Article 53
If the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is not able to discharge his or her duties for a short period, such duties shall temporarily be assumed by the Administrative Secretary, Financial Secretary or Secretary of Justice in this order of precedence.
In the event that the office of Chief Executive becomes vacant, a new Chief Executive shall be selected within six months in accordance with the provisions of Article 45 of this Law. During the period of vacancy, his or her duties shall be assumed according to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.
Article 54
The Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be an organ for assisting the Chief Executive in policy-making.
Article 55
Members of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be appointed by the Chief Executive from among the principal officials of the executive authorities, members of the Legislative Council and public figures. Their appointment or removal shall be decided by the Chief Executive. The term of office of members of the Executive Council shall not extend beyond the expiry of the term of office of the Chief Executive who appoints them.
Members of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the Region with no right of abode in any foreign country.
The Chief Executive may, as he or she deems necessary, invite other persons concerned to sit in on meetings of the Council.
Article 56
The Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be presided over by the Chief Executive.
Except for the appointment, removal and disciplining of officials and the adoption of measures in emergencies, the Chief Executive shall consult the Executive Council before making important policy decisions, introducing bills to the Legislative Council, making subordinate legislation, or dissolving the Legislative Council.
If the Chief Executive does not accept a majority opinion of the Executive Council, he or she shall put the specific reasons on record.
Article 57
A Commission Against Corruption shall be established in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It shall function independently and be accountable to the Chief Executive.
Article 58
A Commission of Audit shall be established in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It shall function independently and be accountable to the Chief Executive.
Section 2 : The Executive Authorities
Article 59
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be the executive authorities of the Region.
Article 60
The head of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be the Chief Executive of the Region.
A Department of Administration, a Department of Finance, a Department of Justice, and various bureaux, divisions and commissions shall be established in the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Article 61
The principal officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the Region with no right of abode in any foreign country and have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 15 years.
Article 62
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall exercise the following powers and functions:
( 1 ) To formulate and implement policies;
( 2 ) To conduct administrative affairs;
( 3 ) To conduct external affairs as authorised by the Central People's Government under this Law;
( 4 ) To draw up and introduce budgets and final accounts;
( 5 ) To draft and introduce bills, motions and subordinate legislation; and
( 6 ) To designate officials to sit in on the meetings of the Legislative Council and to speak on behalf of the government.
Article 63
The Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall control criminal prosecutions, free from any interference.
Article 64
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must abide by the law and be accountable to the Legislative Council of the Region: it shall implement laws passed by the Council and already in force; it shall present regular policy addresses to the Council; it shall answer questions raised by members of the Council; and it shall obtain approval from the Council for taxation and public expenditure.
Article 65
The previous system of establishing advisory bodies by the executive authorities shall be maintained.
Article 66
The Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be the legislature of the Region.
Article 67
The Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be composed of Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the Region with no right of abode in any foreign country. However, permanent residents of the Region who are not of Chinese nationality or who have the right of abode in foreign countries may also be elected members of the Legislative Council of the Region, provided that the proportion of such members does not exceed 20 percent of the total membership of the Council.
Article 68
The Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be constituted by election.
The method for forming the Legislative Council shall be specified in the light of the actual situation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. The ultimate aim is the election of all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage.
The specific method for forming the Legislative Council and its procedures for voting on bills and motions are prescribed in Annex II: "Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Its Voting Procedures".
Article 69
The term of office of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be four years, except the first term which shall be two years.
Article 70
If the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is dissolved by the Chief Executive in accordance with the provisions of this Law, it must, within three months, be reconstituted by election in accordance with Article 68 of this Law.
Article 71
The President of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be elected by and from among the members of the Legislative Council.
The President of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be a Chinese citizen of not less than 40 years of age, who is a permanent resident of the Region with no right of abode in any foreign country and has ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 20 years.
Article 72
The President of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall exercise the following powers and functions:
( 1 ) To preside over meetings;
( 2 ) To decide on the agenda, giving priority to government bills for inclusion in the agenda;
( 3 ) To decide on the time of meetings;
( 4 ) To call special sessions during the recess;
( 5 ) To call emergency sessions on the request of the Chief Executive; and
( 6 ) To exercise other powers and functions as prescribed in the rules of procedure of the Legislative Council.
Article 73
The Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall exercise the following powers and functions;
( 1 ) To enact, amend or repeal laws in accordance with the provisions of this Law and legal procedures;
( 2 ) To examine and approve budgets introduced by the government;
( 3 ) To approve taxation and public expenditure;
( 4 ) To receive and debate the policy addresses of the Chief Executive;
( 5 ) To raise questions on the work of the government;
( 6 ) To debate any issue concerning public interests;
( 7 ) To endorse the appointment and removal of the judges of the Court of Final Appeal and the Chief Judge of the High Court;
( 8 ) To receive and handle complaints from Hong Kong residents;
( 9 ) If a motion initiated jointly by one-fourth of all the members of the Legislative Council charges the Chief Executive with serious breach of law or dereliction of duty and if he or she refuses to resign, the Council may, after passing a motion for investigation, give a mandate to the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal to form and chair an independent investigation committee. The committee shall be responsible for carrying out the investigation and reporting its findings to the Council. If the committee considers the evidence sufficient to substantiate such charges, the Council may pass a motion of impeachment by a two-thirds majority of all its members and report it to the Central People's Government for decision; and
( 10 ) To summon, as required when exercising the above-mentioned powers and functions, persons concerned to testify or give evidence.
Article 74
Members of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may introduce bills in accordance with the provisions of this Law and legal procedures. Bills which do not relate to public expenditure or political structure or the operation of the government may be introduced individually or jointly by members of the Council. The written consent of the Chief Executive shall be required before bills relating to government policies are introduced.
Article 75
The quorum for the meeting of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be not less than one half of all its members.
The rules of procedure of the Legislative Council shall be made by the Council on its own, provided that they do not contravene this Law.
Article 76
A bill passed by the Legislative council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may take effect only after it is signed and promulgated by the Chief Executive.
Article 77
Members of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be immune from legal action in respect of their statements at meetings of the Council.
Article 78
Members of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall not be subjected to arrest when attending or on their way to a meeting of the Council.
Article 79
The President of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall declare that a member of the Council is no longer qualified for the office under any of the following circumstances:
( 1 ) When he or she loses the ability to discharge his or her duties as a result of serious illness or other reasons;
( 2 ) When he or she, with no valid reason, is absent from meetings for three consecutive months without the consent of the President of the Legislative Council;
( 3 ) When he or she loses or renounces his or her status as a permanent resident of the Region;
( 4 ) When he or she accepts a government appointment and becomes a public servant;
( 5 ) When he or she is bankrupt or fails to comply with a court order to repay debts;
( 6 ) When he or she is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for one month or more for a criminal offence committed within or outside the Region and is relieved of his or her duties by a motion passed by two-thirds of the members of the Legislative Council present; and
( 7 ) When he or she is censured for misbehaviour or breach of oath by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Legislative Council present.
Article 80
The courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at all levels shall be the judiciary of the Region, exercising the judicial power of the Region.
Article 81
The Court of Final Appeal, the High Court, district courts, magistrates' courts and other special courts shall be established in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The High Court shall comprise the Court of Appeal and the Court of First Instance.
The judicial system previously practised in Hong Kong shall be maintained except for those changes consequent upon the establishment of the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Article 82
The power of final adjudication of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be vested in the Court of Final Appeal of the Region, which may as required invite judges from other common law jurisdictions to sit on the Court of Final Appeal.
Article 83
The structure, powers and functions of the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at all levels shall be prescribed by law.
Article 84
The courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall adjudicate cases in accordance with the laws applicable in the Region as prescribed in Article 18 of this Law and may refer to precedents of other common law jurisdictions.
Article 85
The courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. Members of the judiciary shall be immune from legal action in the performance of their judicial functions.
Article 86
The principle of trial by jury previously practised in Hong Kong shall be maintained.
Article 87
In criminal or civil proceedings in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the principles previously applied in Hong Kong and the rights previously enjoyed by parties to proceedings shall be maintained.
Anyone who is lawfully arrested shall have the right to a fair trial by the judicial organs without delay and shall be presumed innocent until convicted by the judicial organs.
Article 88
Judges of the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be appointed by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of an independent commission composed of local judges, persons from the legal profession and eminent persons from other sectors.
Article 89
A judge of court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may only be removed for inability to discharge his or her duties, or for misbehaviour, by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of a tribunal appointed by the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal and consisting of not fewer than three local judges.
The Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may be investigated only for inability to discharge his or her duties, or for misbehaviour, by a tribunal appointed by the Chief Executive and consisting of not fewer than five local judges and may be removed by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of the tribunal and in accordance with the procedures prescribed in this Law.
Article 90
The Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal and the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the Region with no right of abode in any foreign country.
In the case of the appointment or removal of judges of the Court of Final Appeal and the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Chief Executive shall, in addition to following the procedures prescribed in Articles 88 and 89 of this Law, obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council and report such appointment or removal to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for the record.
Article 91
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall maintain the previous system of appointment and removal of members of the judiciary other than judges.
Article 92
Judges and other members of the judiciary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be chosen on the basis of their judicial and professional qualities and may be recruited from other common law jurisdictions.
Article 93
Judges and other members of the judiciary serving in Hong Kong before the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may all remain in employment and retain their seniority with pay, allowances, benefits and conditions of service no less favourable than before.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall pay to judges and other members of the judiciary who retire or leave the service in compliance with regulations, including those who have retired or left the service before the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or to their dependants, all pensions, gratuities, allowances and benefits due to them on terms no less favourable than before, irrespective of their nationality or place of residence.
Article 94
On the basis of the system previously operating in Hong Kong, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may make provisions for local lawyers and lawyers from outside Hong Kong to work and practise in the Region.
Article 95
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may, through consultations and in accordance with law, maintain juridical relations with the judicial organs of other parts of the country, and they may render assistance to each other.
Article 96
With the assistance or authorization of the Central People's Government, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may make appropriate arrangements with foreign states for reciprocal juridical assistance.
Section 5 : District Organizations
Article 97
District organizations which are not organs of political power may be established in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, to be consulted by the government of the Region on district administration and other affairs, or to be responsible for providing services in such fields as culture, recreation and environmental sanitation.
Article 98
The powers and functions of the district organizations and the method for their formation shall be prescribed by law.
Article 99
Public servants serving in all government departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must be permanent residents of the Region, except where otherwise provided for in Article 101 of this Law regarding public servants of foreign nationalities and except for those below a certain rank as prescribed by law.
Public servants must be dedicated to their duties and be responsible to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Article 100
Public servants serving in all Hong Kong government departments, including the police department, before the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, may all remain in employment and retain their seniority with pay, allowances, benefits and conditions of service no less favourable than before.
Article 101
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may employ British and other foreign nationals previously serving in the public service in Hong Kong, or those holding permanent identity cards of the Region, to serve as public servants in government departments at all levels, but only Chinese citizens among permanent residents of the Region with no right of abode in any foreign country may fill the following posts: the Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries of Departments, Directors of Bureaux, Commissioner Against Corruption, Director of Audit, Commissioner of Police, Director of Immigration and Commissioner of Customs and Excise.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may also employ British and other foreign nationals as advisers to government departments and, when required, may recruit qualified candidates from outside the Region to fill professional and technical posts in government departments. These foreign nationals shall be employed only in their individual capacities and shall be responsible to the government of the Region.
Article 102
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall pay to public servants who retire or who leave the service in compliance with regulations, including those who have retired or who have left the service in compliance with regulations before the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or to their dependants, all pensions, gratuities, allowances and benefits due to them on terms no less favourable than before, irrespective of their nationality or place of residence.
Article 103
The appointment and promotion of public servants shall be on the basis of their qualifications, experience and ability. Hong Kong's previous system of recruitment, employment, assessment, discipline, training and management for the public service, including special bodies for their appointment, pay and conditions of service, shall be maintained, except for any provisions for privileged treatment of foreign nationals.
Article 104
When assuming office, the Chief Executive, principal officials, members of the Executive Council and of the Legislative Council, judges of the courts at all levels and other members of the judiciary in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must, in accordance with law, swear to uphold the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and swear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
Chapter V : Economy
Section 1 : Public Finance, Monetary Affairs, Trade, Industry and Commerce
Article 105
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, in accordance with law, protect the right of individuals and legal persons to the acquisition, use, disposal and inheritance of property and their right to compensation for lawful deprivation of their property.
Such compensation shall correspond to the real value of the property concerned at the time and shall be freely convertible and paid without undue delay.
The ownership of enterprises and the investments from outside the Region shall be protected by law.
Article 106
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall have independent finances.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall use its financial revenues exclusively for its own purposes, and they shall not be handed over to the Central People's Government.
The Central People's Government shall not levy taxes in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Article 107
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall follow the principle of keeping the expenditure within the limits of revenues in drawing up its budget, and strive to achieve a fiscal balance, avoid deficits and keep the budget commensurate with the growth rate of its gross domestic product.
Article 108
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall practise an independent taxation system.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, taking the low tax policy previously pursued in Hong Kong as reference, enact laws on its own concerning types of taxes, tax rates, tax reductions, allowances and exemptions, and other matters of taxation.
Article 109
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall provide an appropriate economic and legal environment for the maintenance of the status of Hong Kong as an international financial centre.
Article 110
The monetary and financial systems of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be prescribed by law.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, formulate monetary and financial policies, safeguard the free operation of financial business and financial markets, and regulate and supervise them in accordance with law.
Article 111
The Hong Kong dollar, as the legal tender in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, shall continue to circulate.
The authority to issue Hong Kong currency shall be vested in the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The issue of Hong Kong currency must be backed by a 100 per cent reserve fund. The system regarding the issue of Hong Kong currency and the reserve fund system shall be prescribed by law.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may authorize designated banks to issue or continue to issue Hong Kong currency under statutory authority, after satisfying itself that any issue of currency will be soundly based and that the arrangements for such issue are consistent with the object of maintaining the stability of the currency.
Article 112
No foreign exchange control policies shall be applied in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Hong Kong dollar shall be freely convertible. Markets for foreign exchange, gold, securities, futures and the like shall continue.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall safeguard the free flow of capital within, into and out of the Region.
Article 113
The Exchange Fund of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be managed and controlled by the government of the Region, primarily for regulating the exchange value of the Hong Kong dollar.
Article 114
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall maintain the status of a free port and shall not impose any tariff unless otherwise prescribed by law.
Article 115
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall pursue the policy of free trade and safeguard the free movement of goods, intangible assets and capital.
Article 116
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be a separate customs territory.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may, using the name "Hong Kong, China", participate in relevant international organizations and international trade agreements (including preferential trade arrangements), such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and arrangements regarding international trade in textiles.
Export quotas, tariff preferences and other similar arrangements, which are obtained or made by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or which were obtained or made and remain valid, shall be enjoyed exclusively by the Region.
Article 117
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may issue its own certificates of origin for products in accordance with prevailing rules of origin.
Article 118
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall provide an economic and legal environment for encouraging investments, technological progress and the development of new industries.
Article 119
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall formulate appropriate policies to promote and co-ordinate the development of various trades such as manufacturing, commerce, tourism, real estate, transport, public utilities, services, agriculture and fisheries, and pay regard to the protection of the environment.
Article 120
All leases of land granted, decided upon or renewed before the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which extend beyond 30 June 1997, and all rights in relation to such leases, shall continue to be recognized and protected under the law of the Region.
Article 121
As regards all leases of land granted or renewed where the original leases contain no right of renewal, during the period from 27 May 1985 to 30 June 1997, which extend beyond 30 June 1997 and expire not later than 30 June 2047, the lessee is not required to pay an additional premium as from 1 July 1997, but an annual rent equivalent to 3 per cent of the rateable value of the property at that date, adjusted in step with any changes in the rateable value thereafter, shall be charged.
Article 122
In the case of old schedule lots, village lots, small houses and similar rural holdings, where the property was on 30 June 1984 held by, or , in the case of small houses granted after that date, where the property is granted to, a lessee descended through the male line from a person who was in 1898 a resident of an established village in Hong Kong, the previous rent shall remain unchanged so long as the property is held by that lessee or by one of his lawful successors in the male line.
Article 123
Where leases of land without a right of renewal expire after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, they shall be dealt with in accordance with laws and policies formulated by the Region on its own.
Article 124
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall maintain Hong Kong's previous systems of shipping management and shipping regulation, including the system for regulating conditions of seamen.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, define its specific functions and responsibilities in respect of shipping.
Article 125
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be authorized by the Central People's Government to continue to maintain a shipping register and issue related certificates under its legislation, using the name "Hong Kong, China".
Article 126
With the exception of foreign warships, access for which requires the special permission of the Central People's Government, ships shall enjoy access to the ports of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in accordance with the laws of the Region.
Article 127
Private shipping businesses and shipping-related businesses and private container terminals in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may continue to operate freely.
Article 128
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall provide conditions and take measures for the maintenance of the status of Hong Kong as a centre of international and regional aviation.
Article 129
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall continue the previous system of civil aviation management in Hong Kong and keep its own aircraft register in accordance with provisions laid down by the Central People's Government concerning nationality marks and registration marks of aircraft.
Access of foreign state aircraft to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall require the special permission of the Central People's Government.
Article 130
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be responsible on its own for matters of routine business and technical management of civil aviation, including the management of airports, the provision of air traffic services within the flight information region of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the discharge of other responsibilities allocated to it under the regional air navigation procedures of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Article 131
The Central People's Government shall, in consultation with the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, make arrangements providing air services between the Region and other parts of the People's Republic of China for airlines incorporated in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and having their principal place of business in Hong Kong and other airlines of the People's Republic of China.
Article 132
All air service agreements providing air services between other parts of the People's Republic of China and other states and regions with stops at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and air services between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and other states and regions with stops at other parts of the People's Republic of China shall be concluded by the Central People's Government.
In concluding the air service agreements referred to in the first paragraph of this Article, the Central People's Government shall take account of the special conditions and economic interests of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and consult the government of the Region.
Representatives of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may, as members of the delegations of the Government of the People's Republic of China, participate in air service consultations conducted by the Central People's Government with foreign governments concerning arrangements for such services referred to in the first paragraph of this Article.
Article 133
Acting under specific authorizations from the Central People's Government, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may:
( 1 ) renew or amend air service agreements and arrangements previously in force;
( 2 ) negotiate and conclude new air service agreements providing routes for airlines incorporated in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and having their principal place of business in Hong Kong and providing rights for over-flights and technical stops; and
( 3 ) negotiate and conclude provisional arrangements with foreign states or regions with which no air service agreements have been concluded.
All scheduled air services to, from or through Hong Kong, which do not operate to, from or through the mainland of China shall be regulated by the air service agreements or provisional arrangements referred to in this Article.
Article 134
The Central People's Government shall give the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region the authority to :
( 1 ) negotiate and conclude with other authorities all arrangements concerning the implementation of the air service agreements and provisional arrangements referred to in Article 133 of this Law;
( 2 ) issue licences to airlines incorporated in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and having their principal place of business in Hong Kong;
( 3 ) designate such airlines under the air service agreements and provisional arrangements referred to in Article 133 of this Law; and
( 4 ) issue permits to foreign airlines for services other than those to, from or through the mainland of China.
Article 135
Airlines incorporated and having their principal place of business in Hong Kong and businesses related to civil aviation functioning there prior to the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may continue to operate.
Chapter VI : Education, Science, Culture, Sports, Religion, Labour and Social Services
Article 136
On the basis of the previous educational system, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, formulate policies on the development and improvement of education, including policies regarding the educational system and its administration, the language of instruction, the allocation of funds, the examination system, the system of academic awards and the recognition of educational qualifications.
Community organizations and individuals may, in accordance with law, run educational undertakings of various kinds in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Article 137
Educational institutions of all kinds may retain their autonomy and enjoy academic freedom. They may continue to recruit staff and use teaching materials from outside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Schools run by religious organizations may continue to provide religious education, including courses in religion.
Students shall enjoy freedom of choice of educational institutions and freedom to pursue their education outside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Article 138
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, formulate policies to develop Western and traditional Chinese medicine and to improve medical and health services. Community organizations and individuals may provide various medical and health services in accordance with law.
Article 139
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, formulate policies on science and technology and protect by law achievements in scientific and technological research, patents, discoveries and inventions.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, decide on the scientific and technological standards and specifications applicable in Hong Kong.
Article 140
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, formulate policies on culture and protect by law the achievements and the lawful rights and interests of authors in their literary and artistic creation.
Article 141
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall not restrict the freedom of religious belief, interfere in the internal affairs of religious organizations or restrict religious activities which do not contravene the laws of the Region.
Religious organizations shall, in accordance with law, enjoy the rights to acquire, use, dispose of and inherit property and the right to receive financial assistance. Their previous property rights and interests shall be maintained and protected.
Religious organizations may, according to their previous practice, continue to run seminaries and other schools, hospitals and welfare institutions and to provide other social services.
Religious organizations and believers in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may maintain and develop their relations with religious organizations and believers elsewhere.
Article 142
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on the basis of maintaining the previous systems concerning the professions, formulate provisions on its own for assessing the qualifications for practice in the various professions.
Persons with professional qualifications or qualifications for professional practice obtained prior to the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may retain their previous qualifications in accordance with the relevant regulations and codes of practice.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall continue to recognize the professions and the professional organizations recognized prior to the establishment of the Region, and these organizations may, on their own, assess and confer professional qualifications.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may, as required by developments in society and in consultation with the parties concerned, recognize new professions and professional organizations.
Article 143
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, formulate policies on sports. Non-governmental sports organizations may continue to exist and develop in accordance with law.
Article 144
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall maintain the policy previously practised in Hong Kong in respect of subventions for non-governmental organizations in fields such as education, medicine and health, culture, art, recreation, sports, social welfare and social work. Staff members previously serving in subvented organizations in Hong Kong may remain in their employment in accordance with the previous system.
Article 145
On the basis of the previous social welfare system, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, formulate policies on the development and improvement of this system in the light of the economic conditions and social needs.
Article 146
Voluntary organizations providing social services in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may, on their own, decide their forms of service, provided that the law is not contravened.
Article 147
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall on its own formulate laws and policies relating to labour.
Article 148
The relationship between non-governmental organizations in fields such as education, science, technology, culture, art, sports, the professions, medicine and health, labour, social welfare and social work as well as religious organizations in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and their counterparts on the mainland shall be based on the principles of non-subordination, non-interference and mutual respect.
Article 149
Non-governmental organizations in fields such as education, science, technology, culture, art, sports, the professions, medicine and health, labour, social welfare and social work as well as religious organizations in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may maintain and develop relations with their counterparts in foreign countries and regions and with relevant international organizations. They may, as required, use the name "Hong Kong, China" in the relevant activities.
Chapter VII : External Affairs
Article 150
Representatives of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may, as members of delegations of the Government of the People's Republic of China, participate in negotiations at the diplomatic level directly affecting the Region conducted by the Central People's Government.
Article 151
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may on its own, using the name "Hong Kong, China", maintain and develop relations and conclude and implement agreements with foreign states and regions and relevant international organizations in the appropriate fields, including the economic, trade, financial and monetary, shipping, communications, tourism, cultural and sports fields.
Article 152
Representatives of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may, as members of delegations of the People's Republic of China, participate in international organizations or conferences in appropriate fields limited to states and affecting the Region, or may attend in such other capacity as may be permitted by the Central People's Government and the international organization or conference concerned, and may express their views, using the name "Hong Kong, China".
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may, using the name "Hong Kong, China", participate in international organizations and conferences not limited to states.
The Central People's Government shall take the necessary steps to ensure that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall continue to retain its status in an appropriate capacity in those international organizations of which the People's Republic of China is a member and in which Hong Kong participates in one capacity or another.
The Central People's Government shall, where necessary, facilitate the continued participation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in an appropriate capacity in those international organizations in which Hong Kong is a participant in one capacity or another, but of which the People's Republic of China is not a member.
Article 153
The application to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of international agreements to which the People's Republic of China is or becomes a party shall be decided by the Central People's Government, in accordance with the circumstances and needs of the Region, and after seeking the views of the government of the Region.
International agreements to which the People's Republic of China is not a party but which are implemented in Hong Kong may continue to be implemented in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Central People's Government shall, as necessary, authorize or assist the government of the Region to make appropriate arrangements for the application to the Region of other relevant international agreements.
Article 154
The Central People's Government shall authorize the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to issue, in accordance with law, passports of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China to all Chinese citizens who hold permanent identity cards of the Region, and travel documents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China to all other persons lawfully residing in the Region. The above passports and documents shall be valid for all states and regions and shall record the holder's right to return to the Region.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may apply immigration controls on entry into, stay in and departure from the Region by persons from foreign states and regions.
Article 155
The Central People's Government shall assist or authorize the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to conclude visa abolition agreements with foreign states or regions.
Article 156
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may, as necessary, establish official or semi-official economic and trade missions in foreign countries and shall report the establishment of such missions to the Central People's Government for the record.
Article 157
The establishment of foreign consular and other official or semi-official missions in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall require the approval of the Central People's Government.
Consular and other official missions established in Hong Kong by states which have formal diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China may be maintained.
According to the circumstances of each case, consular and other official missions established in Hong Kong by states which have no formal diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China may be permitted either to remain or be changed to semi-official missions.
States not recognized by the People's Republic of China may only establish non-governmental institutions in the Region.
Chapter VIII : Interpretation and Amendment of the Basic Law
Article 158
The power of interpretation of this Law shall be vested in the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress shall authorize the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to interpret on their own, in adjudicating cases, the provisions of this Law which are within the limits of the autonomy of the Region.
The courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may also interpret other provisions of this Law in adjudicating cases. However, if the courts of the Region, in adjudicating cases, need to interpret the provisions of this Law concerning affairs which are the responsibility of the Central People's Government, or concerning the relationship between the Central Authorities and the Region, and if such interpretation will affect the judgments on the cases, the courts of the Region shall, before making their final judgments which are not appealable, seek an interpretation of the relevant provisions from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress through the Court of Final Appeal of the Region. When the Standing Committee makes an interpretation of the provisions concerned, the courts of the Region, in applying those provisions, shall follow the interpretation of the Standing Committee. However, judgments previously rendered shall not be affected.
The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress shall consult its Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region before giving an interpretation of this Law.
Article 159
The power of amendment of this Law shall be vested in the National People's Congress.
The power to propose bills for amendments to this Law shall be vested in the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Amendment bills from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be submitted to the National People's Congress by the delegation of the Region to the National People's Congress after obtaining the consent of two-thirds of the deputies of the Region to the National People's Congress, two-thirds of all the members of the Legislative Council of the Region, and the Chief Executive of the Region.
Before a bill for amendment to this Law is put on the agenda of the National People's Congress, the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall study it and submit its views.
No amendment to this Law shall contravene the established basic policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong.
Chapter IX : Supplementary Provisions
Article 160
Upon the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the laws previously in force in Hong Kong shall be adopted as laws of the Region except for those which the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress declares to be in contravention of this Law. If any laws are later discovered to be in contravention of this Law, they shall be amended or cease to have force in accordance with the procedure as prescribed by this Law.
Documents, certificates, contracts, and rights and obligations valid under the laws previously in force in Hong Kong shall continue to be valid and be recognized and protected by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, provided that they do not contravene this Law.
Annex I : Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
1. The Chief Executive shall be elected by a broadly representative Election Committee in accordance with this Law and appointed by the Central People's Government.
2. The Election Committee shall be composed of 800 members from the following sectors:
| Industrial, commercial and financial sectors | 200 | |
| The professions | 200 | |
| Labour, social services, religious and other sectors | 200 | |
| Members of the Legislative Council, representatives of district-based organizations, Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress, and representatives of Hong Kong members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference | 200 |
The term of office of the Election Committee shall be five years.
3. The delimitation of the various sectors, the organizations in each sector eligible to return Election Committee members and the number of such members returned by each of these organizations shall be prescribed by an electoral law enacted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in accordance with the principles of democracy and openness.
Corporate bodies in various sectors shall, on their own, elect members to the Election Committee, in accordance with the number of seats allocated and the election method as prescribed by the electoral law.
Members of the Election Committee shall vote in their individual capacities.
4. Candidates for the office of Chief Executive may be nominated jointly by not less than 100 members of the Election Committee. Each member may nominate only one candidate.
5. The Election Committee shall, on the basis of the list of nominees, elect the Chief Executive designate by secret ballot on a one-person-one-vote basis. The specific election method shall be prescribed by the electoral law.
6. The first Chief Executive shall be selected in accordance with the Decision of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China on the Method for the Formation of the First Government and the First Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
7. If there is a need to amend the method for selecting the Chief Executives for the terms subsequent to the year 2007, such amendments must be made with the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Legislative Council and the consent of the Chief Executive, and they shall be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for approval.
Instrument 1
Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Approving the "Amendment to Annex I to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Concerning the Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region"
(Adopted at the Sixteenth Session of the Standing Committee of the Eleventh National People’s Congress on 28 August 2010)
The Standing Committee of the Eleventh National People’s Congress at its Sixteenth Session decides as follows:
Pursuant to Annex I to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, “The Interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of Article 7 of Annex I and Article III of Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China” and the “Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Issues Relating to the Methods for Selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and for Forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Year 2012 and on Issues Relating to Universal Suffrage”, the “Amendment to Annex I to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Concerning the Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region proposed by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” is approved.
The “Amendment to Annex I to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Concerning the Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” comes into effect on the date of approval.
Instrument 2
Amendment to Annex I to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Concerning the Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(Approved at the Sixteenth Session of the Standing Committee of the Eleventh National People’s Congress on 28 August 2010)
1. The Election Committee to elect the fourth term Chief Executive in 2012 shall be composed of 1200 members from the following sectors:
| Industrial, commercial and financial sectors | 300 | |
| The professions | 300 | |
| Labour, social services, religious and other sectors | 300 | |
| Members of the Legislative Council, representatives of members of the District Councils, representatives of the Heung Yee Kuk, Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress, and representatives of Hong Kong members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference | 300 |
The term of office of the Election Committee shall be five years.
2. Candidates for the office of Chief Executive may be nominated jointly by not less than 150 members of the Election Committee. Each member may nominate only one candidate.
Annex II : Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Its Voting Procedures
I. Method for the formation of the Legislative Council
1. The Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be composed of 60 members in each term. In the first term, the Legislative Council shall be formed in accordance with the "Decision of the National People's Congress on the Method for the Formation of the First Government and the First Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region". The composition of the Legislative Council in the second and third terms shall be as follows:
Second term
| Members returned by functional constituencies | 30 | |
| Members returned by the Election Committee | 6 | |
| Members returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections | 24 |
Third term
| Members returned by functional constituencies | 30 | |
| Members returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections | 30 |
2. Except in the case of the first Legislative Council, the above-mentioned Election Committee refers to the one provided for in Annex I of this Law. The division of geographical constituencies and the voting method for direct elections therein; the delimitation of functional sectors and corporate bodies, their seat allocation and election methods; and the method for electing members of the Legislative Council by the Election Committee shall be specified by an electoral law introduced by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and passed by the Legislative Council.
II. Procedures for voting on bills and motions in the Legislative Council
Unless otherwise provided for in this Law, the Legislative Council shall adopt the following procedures for voting on bills and motions :
The passage of bills introduced by the government shall require at least a simple majority vote of the members of the Legislative Council present.
The passage of motions, bills or amendments to government bills introduced by individual members of the Legislative Council shall require a simple majority vote of each of the two groups of members present: members returned by functional constituencies and those returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections and by the Election Committee.
III. Method for the formation of the Legislative Council and its voting procedures subsequent to the year 2007
With regard to the method for forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its procedures for voting on bills and motions after 2007, if there is a need to amend the provisions of this Annex, such amendments must be made with the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Council and the consent of the Chief Executive, and they shall be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for the record.
Instrument 3
Proclamation of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (Eleventh National People’s Congress) No. 15
It is promulgated that pursuant to Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, “The Interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of Article 7 of Annex I and Article III of Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China” and the “Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Issues Relating to the Methods for Selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and for Forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Year 2012 and on Issues Relating to Universal Suffrage”, the “Amendment to Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Concerning the Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Its Voting Procedures” is recorded by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
The “Amendment to Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Concerning the Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Its Voting Procedures” comes into effect on the date of promulgation.
This proclamation is hereby made.
Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress 28 August 2010
Instrument 4
Amendment to Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Concerning the Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Its Voting Procedures
(Recorded at the Sixteenth Session of the Standing Committee of the Eleventh National People’s Congress on 28 August 2010)
The fifth term Legislative Council in the year 2012 shall be composed of 70 members, and the composition shall be as follows:
| Members returned by functional constituencies | 35 | |
| Members returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections | 35 |
Annex III : National Laws to be Applied in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
The following national laws shall be applied locally with effect from 1 July 1997 by way of promulgation or legislation by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:
1.Resolution on the Capital, Calendar, National Anthem and National Flag of the People's Republic of China
2.Resolution on the National Day of the People's Republic of China
3.Order on the National Emblem of the People's Republic of China Proclaimed by the Central People's Government Attached: Design of the national emblem, notes of explanation and instructions for use
4.Declaration of the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Territorial Sea
5.Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China
6.Regulations of the People's Republic of China Concerning Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities
Instrument 5
Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on the Addition to or Deletion from the List of National Laws in Annex III to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
(Adopted at the Twenty Sixth Session of the Standing Committee of the Eighth National People’s Congress on 1 July 1997)
I. The following national laws are added to the list of laws in Annex III to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China:
(1) Law of the People’s Republic of China on the National Flag;
(2) Regulations of the People’s Republic of China concerning Consular Privileges and Immunities;
(3) Law of the People’s Republic of China on the National Emblem;
(4) Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone;
(5) Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Garrisoning of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The above national laws shall be applied with effect from 1 July 1997 by way of promulgation or legislation by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
II. The following national law is deleted from Annex III to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:
Order on the National Emblem of the People’s Republic of China Proclaimed by the Central People’s Government.
Attached: Design of the national emblem, notes of explanation and instructions for use.
Instrument 6
Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on the Addition to the List of National Laws in Annex III to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
(Adopted on 4 November 1998)
The Fifth meeting of the Standing Committee of the Ninth National People’s Congress decides: the national law being the “Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf” is added to the list of laws in Annex III to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
Instrument 7
Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on the Addition to the List of National Laws in Annex III to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
(Adopted on 27 October 2005)
The Eighteenth meeting of the Standing Committee of the Tenth National People’s Congress decides: the national law being the “Law of the People’s Republic of China on Judicial Immunity from Compulsory Measures Concerning the Property of Foreign Central Banks” is added to the list of laws in Annex III to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
Instrument 8
Explanations on “The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (Draft)” and Its Related Documents
(Addressing the Third Session of the Seventh National People’s Congress on March 28, 1990)
Ji Pengfei
Chairman of the Drafting Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
Fellow Deputies, Through four years and eight months of effort, the Drafting Committee for The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China has completed the work of drafting the Basic Law. The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress has submitted to the current session of the National People’s Congress for examination “The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (Draft)” and three annexes; the draft designs of the regional flag and regional emblem for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: “ The Decision of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China on the Method for the Formation of the First Government and the First Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Draft),” which has been worked out by the Drafting Committee on behalf of the National People’s Congress; and “The Proposal by the Drafting Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Establishment of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.” I have been entrusted by the Drafting Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to make the following explanations concerning this legal document.
In accordance with “The Decision of the Third Session of the Sixth National People’s Congress on the Establishment of the Drafting Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China,” at its 11th session the Standing Committee of the Sixth National People’s Congress appointed the members of the Hong Kong Basic Law Drafting Committee. On July 1, 1985, the Drafting Committee was officially established and began its work. After mapping out its work plans and deciding upon the structure of the Basic Law, the Drafting Committee set up five special groups consisting of committee members from both the mainland and Hong Kong. The five groups, namely, the Special Group Concerned with the Relationship between the Central Authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; the Special Group Concerned with Fundamental Rights and Duties of Residents; the Special Group Concerned with the Political Structure; the Special Group Concerned with the Economy; and the Special Group Concerned with Education, Science, Technology Culture, Sports and Religion, were responsible for the drafting work. After these special groups worked out their first draft of provisions of the Basic Law, the General Working Group was set up to make overall adjustment and revision of the draft provisions. In April 1988, the seventh plenary session of the Hong Kong Basic Law Drafting Committee issued “The Draft Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China for Solicitation of Opinions.” In the next five months, the Committee widely collected opinions from Hong Kong and the provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government and relevant departments on the mainland and, based on the collected opinions, the Committee made more than 100 revisions in the draft version. In January 1989, at its eighth plenary session, the Drafting Committee voted by secret ballot on the draft Hong Kong Basic Law and its annexes and related documents to be submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, article by article and document by document. Except for Article 19 in the draft Basic Law, all other provisions, annexes and related documents were adopted by a two-thirds majority. At its sixth session held in February 1989, the Standing Committee of the Seventh National People’s Congress decided to promulgate the Hong Kong Basic Law (Draft), its annexes and other related documents to widely solicit opinions from Hong Kong; from the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government on the mainland; and from central government
departments, democratic parties, mass organizations and experts as well as from the general departments of the People’s Liberation Army. After an eight-month opinion-soliciting period followed by a careful study of the opinions collected from all circles, the special groups jointly put forward 24 amendment bills, including the one regarding Article 19 in the Hong Kong Basic Law (Draft). At the ninth plenary session of the Drafting Committee in February this year, those amendment bills were voted upon by secret ballot one by one and all of them were passed by an over two-thirds majority. Then, all relevant provisions in the original draft were replaced by provisions recommended by the amendment bills. With this, the work of drawing up the Hong Kong Basic Law (Draft), its annexes and other related documents was complete.
The collection and selection of designs for the regional flag and regional emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was the responsibility of the Committee for Selecting Designs for the Regional Flag and Regional Emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, consisting of five drafters of the Basic Law and six experts from both Hong Kong and the mainland. After the selecting committee conducted the first and second rounds of selection from the 7,147 contributed designs, the Basic Law Drafting Committee examined and appraised the candidates recommended by the selecting committee. Since the Drafting Committee failed to decide upon a single set of designs for the regional flag and regional emblem to be submitted to the National People’s Congress for examination, the selecting committee again worked out three sets of candidate designs of the regional flag and regional emblem for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region through collective modification of certain contributed designs. The draft designs of the regional flag and regional emblem to be submitted to the National People’s Congress for examination were finally selected at the ninth plenary session of the Basic Law Drafting Committee through a secret ballot. Also at the session, the second and third paragraphs under Article 10 of the draft Basic Law regarding the regional flag and regional emblem of the Special Administrative Region were passed.
Over this period of more than four years, the Drafting Committee has held nine plenary sessions, 25 meetings of the Chairman and Vice-Chairmen and two enlarged meetings of the Chairman and Vice Chairmen; the General Working Group held three meetings; the Special Groups met 73 times; and even the Committee for Selecting Designs for the Regional Flag and Regional Emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held five meetings.
In reviewing the work done over this period of more than four years, we must say that drafting of this legal document was conducted in a very democratic and open manner. During the process of drafting the Basic Law, members of the Drafting Committee worked together with one heart and pooled their wisdom and efforts; and each and every article of the document was worked out after investigation, study and full discussion in which views of the majority were followed and those of the minority respected. After every meeting, reporters covering the event were briefed and the Consultative Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was immediately informed of its proceedings. The work of drafting the Basic Law was completed with the close attention and broad participation of the entire nation, especially the compatriots and people from all circles in Hong Kong. What is especially noteworthy here is that the Hong Kong Basic Law Consultative Committee, formed by people from all walks of life in Hong Kong, collected a great amount of opinions and suggestions in Hong Kong on the Basic Law and promptly referred them to the Drafting Committee and has rendered active and effective assistance to the work of drafting the Basic Law from the very beginning. The work of the Consultative Committee has been praised by the drafters.
Fellow Deputies,
The draft Basic Law that has been submitted to the current session of the National People’s Congress for examination includes a Preamble and 160 articles in nine chapters. The nine chapters are: Chapter I, General Principles; Chapter II, Relationship Between the Central Authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Chapter III, Fundamental Rights and Duties of the Residents; Chapter IV, Political Structure; Chapter V, Economy; Chapter VI, Education, Science, Culture, Sports, Religion, Labour and Social Services; Chapter VII, External Affairs; Chapter VIII, Interpretation and Amendment of the Basic Law; and Chapter IX, Supplementary Provisions. There are also three annexes, namely, Annex I: Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Annex II: Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Its Voting Procedures; and Annex III: National Laws to be Applied in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
I. On the Guiding Principle of Drafting the Hong Kong Basic Law
“One country, two systems” is the fundamental policy of the Chinese Government for bringing about the country’s reunification. In line with this policy, the Chinese Government has formulated a series of principles and policies regarding Hong Kong. The main point is to establish a special administrative region directly under the Central People’s Government when China resumes its sovereignty over Hong Kong. Except for national defence and foreign affairs, which are to be administered by the Central Government, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will exercise a high degree of autonomy; no socialist system or policies will be practiced in the Region, the original capitalist society, economic system and way of life will remain unchanged and the laws previously in force in Hong Kong will remain basically the same; Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre and free port will be maintained; and the economic interests of Britain and other countries in Hong Kong will be taken into consideration. The Chinese Government has written the above principles and policies into the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong and proclaimed that all the principles and policies regarding Hong Kong will remain unchanged for 50 years, which is to be codified in the Basic Law. The concept of “one country, two system” and all the principles and policies regarding Hong Kong formulated on the basis of this concept provide the fundamental guarantee for the resumption of China’s sovereignty over Hong Kong and the maintenance of Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity; they also conform to the basic interests of the Chinese people, particularly those of the Hong Kong compatriots.
Article 31 of China’s Constitution stipulates that “the state may establish special administrative regions when necessary. The systems to be instituted in special administrative regions shall be prescribed by law enacted by the National People’s Congress in the light of the specific conditions.” China is a socialist country and socialism is China’s basic system. To realize China’s reunification, however, another kind of social system, namely, the capitalist system, may be practiced in individual regions of the country. It is on the basis of China’s Constitution and with “one country, two system” as the guiding principle that all the state principles and policies regarding Hong Kong have been established in the draft Hong Kong Basic Law, which has been submitted to the present session of the National People’s Congress for examination.
II. On the relationship between the Central Authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
The relationship between the Central Authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is one of the important issues defined by the Basic Law and is touched upon not only in Chapter II but also in Chapter I, Chapter VII, Chapter VIII and other chapters.
Article 12 of the draft stipulates, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be a local administrative region of the People’s Republic of China, which shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy and come directly under the Central People’s Government.” This stipulation defines that legal status of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and constitutes the basis for specifying the Region’s limits of power and its relationship with the Central Authorities. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, will be a local administrative region directly under the Central People’s Government and at the same time, it will be a special administrative region enjoying a high degree of autonomy and practicing a system and executing policies different from those of the mainland. Therefore, the draft Basic Law contains both provisions embodying the unity and sovereignty of the country and provisions empowering the Special Administrative Region with a high degree of autonomy in the light of Hong Kong’s special circumstances.
The power to be exercised by, or the affairs which are the responsibility of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress or the Central People’s Government, as prescribed in the draft law, is indispensable to maintaining the state sovereignty. For example, the Central People’s Government will be responsible for the Special Administrative Region’s defence and foreign affairs and the Chief Executive and other principal officials of the Special Administrative Region will be appointed by the Central People’s Government; a small number of national laws relating to defence and foreign affairs as well as other matters beyond the limits of the autonomy of the Special Administrative Region will be applied locally by way of promulgation or legislation by the Special Administrative Region; and in the event that the National People’s Congress Standing Committee decides to declare a state of war or, by reason of turmoil within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which endangers national unity or security and is beyond the control of the Special Administrative Region Government, decides that the Region is in a state of emergency, the Central People’s Government may issue an order applying the relevant national laws in Hong Kong. The draft law also stipulates that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, or subversion against the Central People’s Government, or theft of state secret, to prohibit foreign political organizations or bodies from conducting political activities in the Region, and to prohibit political organizations or bodies of the Region from establishing ties with foreign political organizations or bodies. These stipulations are entirely necessary for maintaining the state sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity as well as for preserving Hong Kong’s long-term stability and prosperity.
The high degree of autonomy to be enjoyed by the Special Administrative Region, as stipulated in the draft, embodies executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. The Special Administrative Region, authorized by the Central People’s Government, also has the power to conduct relevant external affairs on its own. This shows that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will enjoy extensive autonomy.
Regarding the executive power, the draft law, while stipulating that the Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, conduct the administrative affairs of Hong Kong in accordance with the Basic Law, specifically defines the Special Administrative Region’s autonomy in areas such as finance, economy, industry commerce, trade, transport and communications, development and management of land and natural resources, education, science and technology, culture, sports, public order and control of entry and exit activities. For instance, the draft law stipulates that the Special Administrative Region shall have independent finances, its revenues shall not be handed over to the Central Government, and the Central Government shall not levy taxes in the Region; and the Special Administrative Region may, on its own, formulate monetary and financial policies, the Hong Kong dollar shall be the legal tender in the Region, and the authority to issue Hong Kong currency shall be vested in the Special Administrative Region Government. Also, the draft stipulates that representatives of the Special Administrative Region Government may act as members of delegations of the Chinese Government to participate in negotiations at the diplomatic level affecting Hong Kong; the Special Administrative Region may on its own, using the name “Hong Kong, China,” maintain and develop relations and conclude and implement agreements with foreign states and regions and relevant international organizations in economic, trade, financial and monetary, shipping, communications, tourism, cultural, sports and other appropriate fields.
Regarding the legislative power, the draft stipulates that laws enacted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region legislature shall take effect upon the signature and promulgation by the Chief Executive. The laws shall be reported to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee for the record, but they will go into force without being affected by this reporting. The draft also stipulates that only when it considers that any law enacted by the Special Administrative Region legislature is not in conformity with the provisions of the Basic Law regarding affairs within the responsibility of the Central Authorities or regarding the relationship between the Central Authorities and the Region, shall the National People’s Congress Standing Committee return the law in question; the Standing Committee shall not amend it. Any law returned by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee shall immediately be invalidated. These stipulations not only conform with the “one country, two systems” principle and are in line with provisions of the Constitution, but also take into full consideration the need for Hong Kong to enjoy a high degree of autonomy.
According to the Constitution, interpretation of laws is among the powers and functions of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee. To take into account Hong Kong’s special circumstances, the draft Basic Law, while stipulating that the power of interpretation of the Basic Law shall be vested in the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, provides that the National People’s Congress Standing Committee shall authorizes the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to interpret on their own, in adjudicating cases, the provisions of the Basic Law which are within the limits of the autonomy of the Region. This stipulation will guarantee the power of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and also facilitate the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in exercising its autonomy. According to the draft, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region courts may also interpret other provisions of the Basic Law in adjudicating cases. However, if the courts, in adjudicating cases, need to interpret the provisions of the Basic Law concerning affairs which are the responsibility of the Central People’s Government, or the relationship between the Central Authorities and the Region, and if such interpretation will affect their final judgements on the cases, the courts shall seek an interpretation of the relevant provisions from the National People’s Congress Standing Committee through the Court of Final Appeal of the Region. The courts, in applying those provisions, shall follow the interpretation of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee. This stipulation will provide the basis for the Region’s courts, in adjudicating cases, to comprehend the provisions of the Basic Law concerning affairs which are the responsibility of the Central Government or the relationship between the Central Authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and prevent the courts from making erroneous judgements due to inaccurate understanding.
The draft vests the courts of the Special Administrative Region with independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. This is certainly a very special situation wherein courts in a local administrative region enjoy the power of final adjudication. Nevertheless, in view of the fact that Hong Kong will practise social and legal systems different from the mainland’s, this provision is necessary. Under the current judicial system and principles, the Hong Kong authorities have never exercised jurisdiction over acts of state such as defence and foreign affairs. While preserving the above principle, the draft stipulates that the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall obtain a certificate from the Chief Executive on questions of fact concerning acts of state such as defense and foreign wherever such questions arise in the adjudication of cases. This certificate shall be binding on the courts. However, before issuing such a certificate, the Chief Executive shall obtain a certifying document from the Central People’s Government. This stipulation not only appropriately solves the question of jurisdiction over acts of state, but also guarantees that the courts of the Region can conduct their functions in a normal way.
In additional, in order to enable the National People’s Congress Standing Committee to heed fully the opinions of the people from all walks of life in Hong Kong when it makes decisions on whether a law enacted by the Special Administrative Region legislature conforms to the provisions concerning affairs within the responsibility of the Central Authorities or to the provisions concerning the relationship between the Central Authorities and the Special Administrative Region, decisions on adding to or deleting from the list of national laws which are applicable in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Annex III and decisions on the interpretation of and amendment to the Basic Law, the drafters have recommended that when the Basic Law comes into force, a working committee be set up under the National People’s Congress Standing Committee to submit its views regarding the above questions to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee. The working committee shall be composed of people from the mainland and Hong Kong. To this end, the Hong Kong Basic Law Drafting Committee has drafted the “Proposal by the Drafting Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Establishment of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.”
III. On the Fundamental Rights and Duties of Hong Kong Residents
The extensive rights and freedoms enjoyed by the residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and other people residing in the Region as prescribed in Chapter III of the draft Basic Law include political, economic, cultural, social and family rights and freedoms and the freedom of person. The special features in the provisions concerning Hong Kong residents’ rights and freedoms in the draft Basic Law boil down to the following two basic points:
(1) The draft provides multi-level protection for Hong Kong residents’ rights and freedoms. In accordance with the characteristics of the composition of Hong Kong residents, the draft stipulates not only the general rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents, but also the rights of the permanent residents and Chinese citizens living among them. It also stipulates that people other than Hong Kong residents also enjoy the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law. In additional, while stipulating in explicit terms the fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents, the draft also stipulates that Hong Kong residents shall enjoy the other rights and freedoms safeguarded by the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In view of the application in Hong Kong of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and international labour conventions, the draft stipulates that those provisions shall remain in force and be implemented through the laws of the Special Administrative Region. In addition to a chapter specially devoted to Hong Kong residents’ rights and freedoms, there are also provisions concerning the issue in other relevant chapters and articles. Thus, extensive, comprehensive and multi-level protection is provided for safeguarding Hong Kong residents’ rights and freedoms.
(2) The rights, freedoms and duties of Hong Kong residents are prescribed in the draft in accordance with the principle of “one country, two systems” and in the light of Hong Kong’s actual situation. They include such specific provisions as protection of private ownership of property, the freedom of movement and freedom to enter or leave the Region, the right to raise a family freely and protection of private persons’ and legal entitles’ property. The draft also provides that the systems to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents shall all be based on the Basic Law.
IV. On the Political Structure
Chapter IV of the draft Basic Law mainly defines the formation and powers of and inter-relationship among the executive, legislature and judiciary, as well as the qualifications, powers and functions of and relevant policies regarding the Chief Executive, principal officials, members of the executive and legislative councils, judges of the courts at all levels and other members of the judiciary, and public servants of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It also provides that district organizations which are not organs of political power may be established in the Region.
The political structure of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region should accord with the principle of “one country, two systems” and aim to maintain stability and prosperity in Hong Kong in line with its legal status and actual situation. To this end, consideration must be given to the interests of the different sectors of society and the structure must facilitate the development of the capitalist economy in the Region. While the part of the existing political structure proven to be effective will be maintained, a democratic system that suits Hong Kong’s reality should gradually be introduced. In accordance with this principle, Chapter IV and Annexes I and II of the Basic Law contain the following major provisions concerning the political structure of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:
(1) The relationship between the executive authorities and the legislature. The executive authorities and the legislature should regulate each other as well as co-ordinate their activities. To maintain Hong Kong’s stability and administrative efficiency, the Chief Executive must have real power which, at the same time, should be subject to some restrictions. The draft provides for the Chief Executive to be the head of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and accountable to the Central People’s Government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. He or she is to lead the government of the Region, sign bills and budgets and promulgate laws. If the Chief Executive considers a bill passed by the Legislative Council to be not compatible with the overall interests of the Region, he or she may return it to the Legislative Council for reconsideration. If the Chief Executive refuses to sign a bill passed the second time by the Legislative Council, or the Legislative Council refuses to pass a budget or any other important bill introduced by the government, and if consensus still cannot be reached after consultations, the Chief Executive may dissolve the Legislative Council. On the other hand, the Basic Law provides that the government of the Region must abide by the law and be accountable to the Legislative Council. It must implement laws passed by the Legislative Council and already in force, present regular policy addresses to the Council, answer questions raised by members of the Council and obtain approval from the Council for taxation and public expenditure. The Chief Executive must consult the Executive Council before making important policy decisions, introducing bills to the Legislative Council, enacting subordinate legislation, or dissolving the Legislative Council. The Basic Law also stipulates that if the bill returned by the Chief Executive is passed again by the Legislative Council with at least a two-thirds majority, the Chief Executive must sign and promulgate it within one month, unless he or she dissolves the Legislative Council. If the newly elected Legislative Council, after the old one has been dissolved, again passes by a two-thirds majority the original bill in dispute, or it still refuses to pass the original budget or any other important bill introduced by the government, the Chief Executive must resign. If the Chief Executive is found to have committed a serious breach of law or dereliction of duty and if he or she still refuses to resign, the Legislative Council may pass a motion of impeachment through the specified procedures and refer it to the Central People’s Government for decision. The provisions mentioned above embody the relationship of regulation and co-ordination between the executive authorities and the legislature.
(2) The method for the selection of the Chief Executive. The draft stipulates that the Chief Executive shall be selected by election or through consultations and be appointed by the Central People’s Government. The method for selecting the Chief Executive shall be worked out in the light of the actual situation in Hong Kong and applied in a gradual and orderly way. The ultimate goal is the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures. Based on these provisions, Annex I provides specific rules on selecting the Chief Executive. In the ten years between 1997 and 2007, the Chief Executive will be elected by a broadly representative election committee. If there is need to amend this method of election after that period, such amendments must be made with the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the legislative Council and the consent of the Chief Executive, and they must be submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for approval. The method for selecting the Chief Executive is provided in an annex to make it more amenable to revision when necessary.
(3) The method for forming the Legislative Council and its procedures for voting on bills and motions. According to the draft Basic Law, the Legislative Council will be constituted by election. The method for forming the Legislative Council will be worked out in the light of the actual situation in Hong Kong and applied in a gradual and orderly way. The ultimate goal is the election of all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage. In accordance with these provisions, Annex II provides specific rules on formation of the Legislative Council. The first and second Legislative Council will be formed by members elected by functional constituencies, by the Election Committee or by geographical constituencies through direct elections. During the first 10 years after the Special Administrative Region is established, the number of seats in the Legislative Council for members elected by geographical constituencies through direct elections will be increased with each passing council, and the number of seats elected by the Election Committee will be gradually reduced. When the third Legislative Council is formed, members elected by functional constituencies and geographical constituencies through direct elections will each share half the seats of the Legislative Council. These rules accord with the principle of developing the election system in a gradual and orderly way. Annex II also stipulates that different voting procedures shall be adopted by the Legislative Council in handling bills introduced by the government and motions and bills introduced by individual members of the Legislative Council. The passage of bills introduced by the government requires a simple majority vote of the members of the Legislative Council present. The passage of motions, bills or amendments to government bills introduced by individual members of the Legislative Council requires at least a simple majority vote by each of the two groups of members present, i.e., members returned by functional constituencies and those returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections and by the Election Committee. Such provisions take into consideration the interests of all social strata and will prevent endless debates over government bills, thus helping the government work with efficiency. Ten years after the establishment of the Special Administrative Region, if there is a need to improve the method for forming the Legislative Council and its procedures for voting on bills and motions, such improvements shall be made with the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Legislative Council and the consent of the Chief Executive, and they must be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for the record. The method for forming the Legislative Council and the Council’s procedures for voting on bills and motions are provided in an annex because it is more amenable to revision when necessary.
(4) Qualifications for the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, members of the Executive Council, the President of the Legislative Council, principal government officials, the chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal and the chief judges of the High Court, as well as Hong Kong members of the Basic Law Committee. Relevant provisions in the draft Basic Law stipulate that these posts must be held by Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the Region with no right of abode in any foreign country. This helps define state sovereignty and reflects the principle of managing Hong Kong by the Hong Kong people. Only in this way can those maintaining the posts mentioned above hold themselves responsible to the State, the Region and the residents of Hong Kong. Based on the same considerations, relevant articles stipulate that the Region’s Legislative Council must be composed of Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the Region with no right of abode in any foreign country. However, in view of Hong Kong’s specific conditions, permanent residents of the Region who are not of Chinese nationality or who have the right of abode in foreign countries may also be elected members of the Legislative Council of the Region, provided that the proportion of such members does not exceed 20 per cent of the total membership of the Council.
(5) The method for the formation of the first Government and the first Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In line with the principles of state sovereignty and for the benefit of smooth transition, the establishment of the Special Administrative Region will be presided over by a Preparatory Committee set up by the National People’s Congress. Since preparations must be made before the establishment of the first Government and the first Legislative Council and since the Basic Law will not go into effect until July 1, 1997, the Drafting Committee has suggested that the National People’s Congress make a special decision on the method for the formation of the first Government and Legislative Council and that the decision be made public together with the Basic Law. The Drafting Committee has therefore worked out a draft of the decision on behalf of the National People’s Congress. According to this decision, the candidate for the first Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will be recommended by a selection committee composed entirely of Hong Kong residents and then referred to the Central People’s Government for appointment. If the composition of the last Hong Kong Legislative Council before the establishment of the Special Administrative Region is in conformity with the provisions of the decision made by the National People’s Congress on the method for the formation of the first Government and the first Legislative Council, those of its members who uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and who meet the requirements set forth in the Basic Law may, upon confirmation by the Preparatory Committee, become members of the first Legislative Council of the Region. This arrangement is designed to ensure stability throughout the transition period and make the two governments dovetail without a hitch.
According to the decision, when assuming office, the Chief Executive, principal officials, members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council, judges of the courts at all levels and other members of the judiciary must swear to uphold the Basic Law and swear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
V. On Economy, Education, Science, Culture, Sports, Religion, Labour and Social Services
Chapter V of the Basic Law contains stipulations on the economic system and policies of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, divided into eight fields of endeavour: public finance, monetary affairs, trade, industry, commerce, land leases, shipping and civil aviation. These stipulations are indispensable to ensuring the normal operation of Hong Kong’s capitalist economic mechanism and maintaining its status as an international financial centre and free port. Concerning monetary affairs, for instance, the draft Basic Law stipulates that no foreign exchange control policies shall be applied in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and that markets for foreign exchange, gold, securities, futures and the like shall continue. The free flow of capital within, into and out of Region as well as the free operation of financial businesses and financial markets are safeguarded. It also stipulates that the Hong Kong dollar is the legal tender in the Region and shall be freely convertible and that the authority for its issuance shall be vested in the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As for foreign trade, the draft Basic Law stipulates that all investments from outside the Region shall be protected by law, and the free movement of goods, intangible assets and capital shall be safeguarded. Unless otherwise prescribed by law, no tariff shall be imposed. As a separate customs territory, the Region may, using the name “Hong Kong, China,” participate in relevant international organizations and trade agreements (including preferential trade arrangements,) such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and arrangements regarding international trade in textiles. Export quotas, tariff preferences and other similar arrangements obtained or made by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be enjoyed exclusively by the Region. The draft Basic Law also stipulates that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall strive to achieve a fiscal balance and avoid deficits in drawing up its budget. The Region may also enact laws on its own concerning the taxation system, using the previously pursued low tax policy as reference. The draft Basic Law also carries detailed stipulations concerning the major trades, land leases, shipping, civil aviation and the like.
Chapter VI of the draft Basic Law carries stipulations on the maintenance and development of Hong Kong’s current systems and policies concerning education, science, culture, sports, religion, labour and social services. These stipulations involve the interests of Hong Kong residents in many aspects of public life and are important for social stability and development.
There are quite a number of articles concerning policies in Chapter V and VI of the draft Basic Law. The Chinese Government has undertaken, in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, to write its basic principles and policies on Hong Kong and their detailed explanations as given in Annex I of the Joint Declaration into Basic Law, and Hong Kong residents from all walks of life have a strong desire for the Basic Law to reflect and protect their interests. Therefore, it was decided in the end that these articles concerning policies should remain in the draft Basic Law, despite the differing opinions expressed over the brevity of articles during the drafting of the law.
Finally, I should like to explain a few points about the draft designs of the regional flag and regional emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The regional flag carries a design of five bauhinia petals, each with a star in the middle, on a red background. The red flag represents the motherland and the bauhinia represents Hong Kong. The design implies that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China and prospers in the embrace of the motherland. The five stars on the flower symbolize the fact that all Hong Kong compatriots love their motherland, while the red and white colours embody the principle of “one country, two systems.” The regional emblem is round and bears a design similar to the one on the flag, with five red stars on a white bauhinia against a red background, which also symbolizes the principle of “one country, two systems” by the use of red and white. The outer ring of the emblem carries the words “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China” in Chinese, and “HONG KONG” in English.
Fellow Deputes,
I hereby present my explanations concerning “The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (Draft),” its annexes and other relevant documents and concerning the draft designs of the regional flag and regional emblem of the Special Administrative Region, to the National People’s Congress for examination.
Instrument 9
Decision of the National People’s Congress on the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
(Adopted at the Third Session of the Seventh National People’s Congress on 4 April 1990)
The Third Session of the Seventh National People’s Congress adopts the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, including Annex I: Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Annex II: Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Its Voting Procedures, Annex III: National Laws to be Applied in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the designs of the regional flag and regional emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Article 31 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China provides: “The State may establish special administrative regions when necessary. The systems to be instituted in special administrative regions shall be prescribed by law enacted by the National People’s Congress in the light of the specific conditions.” The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is constitutional as it is enacted in accordance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and in the light of the specific conditions of Hong Kong. The systems, policies and laws to be instituted after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be based on the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China shall be put into effect as of July 1, 1997.
Instrument 10
Decision of the National People’s Congress on the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(Adopted at the Third Session of the Seventh National People’s Congress on 4 April 1990)
In accordance with the provisions of Article 31 and sub-paragraph 13 of Article 62 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, the Third Session of the Seventh National People’s Congress decides:
1. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is to be established on July 1, 1997.
2. The area of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region covers the Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, and the islands and adjacent waters under its jurisdiction. The map of the administrative division of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will be published by the State Council separately.
Instrument 11
Order of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China No. 221
It is hereby promulgated that in accordance with the Decision of the National People’s Congress on the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region adopted at the Third Session of the Seventh National People’s Congress on 4 April 1990, the map of the administrative division of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China was approved at the 56th Executive Meeting of the State Council on 7 May 1997.
Appendix: Description of the boundary of the administrative division of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
LI Peng
Premier
1 July 1997
Appendix
Description of the Boundary of the Administrative Division of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
The boundary comprises a land and sea sector.
I. The Land Sector
The land sector comprises three sections as follows:
(1) Sha Tau Kok Town
1. The boundary starts at the eastern corner of the base of the Sha Tau Kok pier (“Point 1”, Latitude 22˚32'37.21" North, Longitude 114˚13'34.85" East). From there, it runs directly to the mouth of the ditch running along the eastern side of San Lau Street. It then follows the centre line of the ditch, as far as the point where that line meets the centre line of Chung Ying Street (“Point 2”, Latitude 22˚32'45.42" North, Longitude 114˚13'32.40" East).
2. From Point 2, the boundary follows the centre line of Chung Ying Street as far as the point where that line meets the centre line of Bubu Street (“Point 3”, Latitude 22˚32'52.26" North, Longitude 114˚13'36.91” East).
3. From Point 3, the boundary follows a straight line to the western tip of the base of the foundation of Sha Tau Kok River Bridge in the middle of the river (“Point 4”, Latitude 22˚32'52.83" North, Longitude 114˚13’36.86" East).
(2) Sha Tau Kok Town to Pak Kung Au From Point 4, the boundary runs upstream along the centre line of the Sha Tau Kok River and thence along the bottom line of the valley east of Pak Kung Au until it reaches the middle of the Pak Kung Au saddle point (“Point 5”, Latitude 22˚33'23.49" North, Longitude 114˚12'24.25" East).
(3) Pak Kung Au to the Mouth of the Shenzhen River The boundary runs from Point 5 along the bottom line of the main valley west of Pak Kung Au as far as the source of the Shenzhen River at Pak Kung Au. It continues along the centre line of the Shenzhen River to the mouth of the river at Shenzhen Bay (otherwise known as Deep Bay). After the realignment of the Shenzhen River, the boundary will follow the new centre line of the river.
II. The Sea Sector The sea sector comprises three sections as follows:
(1) Shenzhen Bay From the mouth of the Shenzhen River, the boundary runs along the middle of the southern navigable channel as far as Beacon 84 (otherwise known as “B” Beacon) (“Point 6”, Latitude 22˚30'36.23" North, Longitude 113˚59'42.20" East). From there, it follows straight lines in sequence through the following two points:
1. Beacon 83 (otherwise known as “A” Beacon) in Shenzhen Bay (“Point 7”, Latitude 22˚28'20.49" North, Longitude 113˚56'52.10" East); and
2. “Point 8”, (Latitude 22˚25'43.7" North, Longitude 113˚52'08.8" East), defined as the point where the line between Point 7 and Dongjiaozui at the southernmost tip of Neilingding Island intersects the meridian line of Longitude 113˚52'08.8" East.
(2) Southern Sea Section From Point 8, the boundary follows a series of straight lines sequentially through the following thirteen points: 1. The boundary first runs southwards along the meridian line of Longitude 113˚52'08.8" East until it reaches Latitude 22˚20' North (“Point 9”, Latitude 22˚20' North, Longitude 113˚52'08.8" East). The boundary runs thence in sequence to:
2. “Point 10” (Latitude 22˚16'23.2" North, Longitude 113˚50'50.6" East), defined as the point one nautical mile northwest of the most northerly point on the coastline of Tai O;
3. “Point 11” (Latitude 22˚16'03.8" North, Longitude 113˚50'20.4" East), defined as the point one nautical mile northwest of the most westerly point on the coastline of Tai O;
4. “Point 12” (Latitude 22˚14'21.4" North, Longitude 113˚49'35.0" East), defined as the point one nautical mile northwest of the tip of the protruding point on the Lantau coastline southwest of Kai Kung Shan;
5. “Point 13” (Latitude 22˚13'01.4" North, Longitude 113˚49'01.6" East), defined as the point one nautical mile west of the most westerly point on Kai Yet Kok off Lantau Island;
6. “Point 14” (Latitude 22˚11'01.9" North, Longitude 113˚49'56.6" East), defined as the point one nautical mile southwest of the most southwesterly point on the coastline at Fan Lau Kok on Lantau Island;
7. “Point 15” (Latitude 22˚08'33.1" North, Longitude 113˚53'47.6" East), defined as the mid-point of a straight line between the most southerly point on the coastline of Tai A Chau in the Soko Islands and the tip of the protruding point at Yinjiaozui on the northern coastline of Dazhizhou;
8. “Point 16” (Latitude 22˚08'12.2" North, Longitude 113˚55'20.6" East), defined as the point one nautical mile south of the most southerly point on the coastline of Tau Lo Chau in the Soko Islands;
9. “Point 17” (Latitude 22˚08'54.5" North, Longitude 113˚56'22.4" East), defined as the eastern point of intersection between the parallel of Latitude 22˚08'54.5" North and an arc sector of one nautical mile radius centred on the most southerly point on the coastline of Tau Lo Chau in the Soko Islands;
10. “Point 18” (Latitude 22˚08'54.5" North, Longitude 114˚14'09.6" East), defined as the western point of intersection between the parallel of Latitude 22˚08'54.5" North and an arc sector of one nautical mile radius centred on the most southwesterly point on the coastline of Mat Chau in the Po Toi Islands;
11. “Point 19” (Latitude 22˚08'18.8" North, Longitude 114˚15'18.6" East), defined as the point one nautical mile due south of Nam Kok Tsui on Po Toi Island;
12. “Point 20” (Latitude 22˚08'54.5" North, Longitude 114˚17'02.4" East), defined as the eastern point of intersection between the parallel of Latitude 22˚08'54.5" North and an arc sector of one nautical mile radius centred on the most southeasterly point at Tai Kok Tau on Po Toi Island;
13. “Point 21”, defined by the coordinates Latitude 22˚08'54.5" North, Longitude 114˚30'08.8" East.
(3) Mirs Bay From Point 21, the boundary then runs in sequential straight lines through the following ten points, then back to Point 1:
1. “Point 22”, defined by the coordinates Latitude 22˚21'54.5" North, Longitude 114˚30'08.8" East;
2. “Point 23” (Latitude 22˚28'07.4" North, Longitude 114˚27'17.6" East), defined as the mid-point of a straight line between the tip of the protruding point on the coastline north of Daluwan and the beacon on Shek Ngau Chau;
3. “Point 24” (Latitude 22˚32'41.9" North, Longitude 114˚27'18.5" East), defined as the mid-point of a straight line between the tip of the protruding point on the coastline southwest of Shuitousha and Kang Lau Shek on Ping Chau Island;
4. “Point 25” (Latitude 22˚33'43.2" North, Longitude 114˚26'02.3" East), defined as the mid-point of a straight line between Chengtoujiao and Chau Mei Kok on Ping Chau Island;
5. “Point 26” (Latitude 22˚34'06.0" North, Longitude 114˚19'58.7" East), defined as the mid-point of a straight line between the tip of the protruding point on the coastline at Beizaijiao and the most northerly point on the coastline of Round Island;
6. “Point 27” (Latitude 22˚34'00.0" North, Longitude 114˚18'32.7" East), defined as the mid-point of a straight line between the tip of the protruding point on the coastline at Zhengjiaozui and the most easterly point on the coastline at Kai Kung Tau on Crooked Island;
7. “Point 28” (Latitude 22˚33'55.8" North, Longitude 114˚16'33.7" East), defined as the mid-point of a straight line between the tip of the protruding point on the coastline at Tangyuanchong and the most northerly point on the coastline of Crooked Island;
8. “Point 29” (Latitude 22˚33'20.6" North, Longitude 114˚14'55.2" East), defined as the mid-point of a straight line between the point where the stream south of Enshang meets the sea and Cheung Pai Tau;
9. “Point 30” (Latitude 22˚33'02.6" North, Longitude 114˚14'13.4" East), defined as the mid-point of a straight line between the point where the stream at Guanluxia meets the sea and Sam Kuk Tsui; and
10. “Point 31” (Latitude 22˚32'37.2" North, Longitude 114˚14'01.1" East), defined as the mid-point of a straight line running due east from Point 1 to the opposite shoreline.
Note: The above geographical co-ordinates are represented by WGS84.
Instrument 12
Decision of the National People’s Congress on the Method for the Formation of the First Government and the First Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(Adopted at the Third Session of the Seventh National People’s Congress on 4 April 1990)
1. The first Government and the first Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be formed in accordance with the principles of State sovereignty and smooth transition.
2. Within the year 1996, the National People’s Congress shall establish a Preparatory Committee for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which shall be responsible for preparing the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and shall prescribe the specific method for the formation of the first Government and the first Legislative Council in accordance with this Decision. The Preparatory Committee shall be composed of mainland members and of Hong Kong members who shall constitute not less than 50 per cent of its membership. Its chairman and members shall be appointed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
3. The Preparatory Committee for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be responsible for preparing the establishment of the Selection Committee for the First Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (hereinafter referred to as the Selection Committee).
The Selection Committee shall be composed entirely of permanent residents of Hong Kong and must be broadly representative. It shall include Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress, representatives of Hong Kong members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, persons with practical experience who have served in Hong Kong’s executive, legislative and advisory organs prior to the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and persons representative of various strata and sectors of society. The Selection Committee shall be composed of 400 members in the following proportions:
| Industrial, commercial and financial sectors | 25 per cent | |
| The professions | 25 per cent | |
| Labour, grass-roots, religious and other sectors | 25 per cent | |
| Former political figures, Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress, and representatives of Hong Kong members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference | 25 per cent |
4. The Selection Committee shall recommend the candidate for the first Chief Executive through local consultations or through nomination and election after consultations, and report the recommended candidate to the Central People’s Government for appointment. The term of office of the first Chief Executive shall be the same as the regular term.
5. The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be responsible for preparing the formation of the first Government of the Region in accordance with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
6. The first Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be composed of 60 members, with 20 members returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections, 10 members returned by an election committee, and 30 members returned by functional constituencies. If the composition of the last Hong Kong Legislative Council before the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is in conformity with the relevant provisions of this Decision and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, those of its members who uphold the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and pledge allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and who meet the requirements set forth in the Basic Law of the Region may, upon confirmation by the Preparatory Committee, become members of the first Legislative Council of the Region.
The term of office of members of the first Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be two years.
Instrument 13
Decision of the National People’s Congress Approving the Proposal by the Drafting Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Establishment of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress
(Adopted at the Third Session of the Seventh National People’s Congress on 4 April 1990)
The Third Session of the Seventh National People’s Congress decides:
1. to approve the proposal by the Drafting Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Establishment of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress; and
2. to establish the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress when the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China is put into effect.
Appendix Proposal by the Drafting Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Establishment of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress
1. Name: The Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
2. Affiliation: To be a working committee under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
3. Function: To study questions arising from the implementation of Articles 17, 18, 158 and 159 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and submit its views thereon to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
4. Composition: Twelve members, six from the mainland and six from Hong Kong, including persons from the legal profession, appointed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for a term of office of five years. Hong Kong members shall be Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region with no right of abode in any foreign country and shall be nominated jointly by the Chief Executive, President of the Legislative Council and Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal of the Region for appointment by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
Instrument 14
Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on the English Text of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Speicial Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
(Adopted on 28 June 1990)
The 14th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Seventh National People’s Congress decides: the English translation of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, examined and approved under the aegis of the Law Committee of the National People’s Congress, shall be the official English text and shall be equally authentic as the Chinese text. In case of any discrepancy in the meaning of wording between the English text and the Chinese text, the Chinese text shall prevail.
Instrument 15
Explanations of Some Questions by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Concerning the Implementation of the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(Adopted at the Nineteenth Session of the Standing Committee of the Eighth National People’s Congress on 15 May 1996)
According to Article 18 of and Annex III to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China shall be applied in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region from 1 July 1997. Taking account of the historical background and the existing circumstances of Hong Kong, the Standing Committee gives the following explanations concerning the implementation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China
1. Where a Hong Kong resident is of Chinese descent and was born in the Chinese territories (including Hong Kong), or where a person satisfies the criteria laid down in the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China for having Chinese nationality, he is a Chinese national.
2. All Hong Kong Chinese compatriots are Chinese nationals, whether or not they are holders of the “British Dependent Territories Citizens passport” or “British Nationals (Overseas) passport”. With effect from 1 July 1997, Chinese nationals mentioned above may, for the purpose of travelling to other countries and territories, continue to use the valid travel documents issued by the Government of the United Kingdom. However, they shall not be entitled to British consular protection in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and other parts of the People’s Republic of China on account of their holding the above mentioned British travel documents.
3. According to the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China, the British Citizenship acquired by Chinese nationals in Hong Kong through the “British Nationality Selection Scheme” will not be recognised. They are still Chinese nationals and will not be entitled to British consular protection in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and other parts of the People’s Republic of China.
4. Chinese nationals of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region with right of abode in foreign countries may, for the purpose of travelling to other countries and territories, use the relevant documents issued by the foreign governments. However, they will not be entitled to consular protection in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and other parts of the People’s Republic of China on account of their holding the above mentioned documents.
5. If there is a change in the nationality of a Chinese national of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, he may, with valid documents in support, make a declaration at the authority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region responsible for nationality applications.
6. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is authorised to designate its Immigration Department as the authority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region responsible for nationality applications. The Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall handle all nationality applications in accordance with the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China and the foregoing provisions.
Instrument 16
Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Treatment of the Laws Previously in Force in Hong Kong in Accordance with Article 160 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
(Adopted at the Twenty Fourth Session of the Standing Committee of the Eighth National People’s Congress on 23 February 1997)
Article 160 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as “the Basic Law”) stipulates:
“Upon the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the laws previously in force in Hong Kong shall be adopted as laws of the Region except for those which the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress declares to be in contravention of this Law. If any laws are later discovered to be in contravention of this Law, they shall be amended or cease to have force in accordance with the procedure as prescribed by this Law.”
Article 8 stipulates:
“The laws previously in force in Hong Kong, that is, the common law, rules of equity, ordinances, subordinate legislation and customary law shall be maintained, except for any that contravene this Law, and subject to any amendment by the legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.”
In accordance with the above provisions, the Standing Committee of the Eighth National People’s Congress examined the proposals made by the Preparatory Committee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on treatment of issues relating to the laws previously in force in Hong Kong, and decides at its Twenty Fourth Session as follows:
1. The laws previously in force in Hong Kong, which include the common law, rules of equity, ordinances, subordinate legislation and customary law, except for those which are in contravention of the Basic Law, are adopted as the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
2. Such of the ordinances and subordinate legislation previously in force in Hong Kong as set out in Annex 1 to this Decision are in contravention of the Basic Law and are not adopted as the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
3. Such provisions of the ordinances and subordinate legislation previously in force in Hong Kong as set out in Annex 2 to this Decision are in contravention of the Basic Law and those provisions are not adopted as the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
4. Such of the laws previously in force in Hong Kong which have been adopted as the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, as from 1 July 1997, be applied subject to such modifications, adaptations, limitations or exceptions as are necessary so as to bring them into conformity with the status of Hong Kong after resumption by the People’s Republic of China of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong as well as to be in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law. For example, the New Territories Land (Exemption) Ordinance should conform with the above principles in its application.
Apart from conforming with the above principles, the following shall be observed, that is to say, in the ordinances and subordinate legislation previously in force:
(1) laws relating to foreign affairs in respect of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which are inconsistent with the national laws applied in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be subject to the national laws and shall be consistent with the international rights and obligations of the Central People’s Government;
(2) provisions conferring privileges on the United Kingdom or other Commonwealth countries or territories, other than provisions relating to reciprocal arrangements between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom or other Commonwealth countries or territories, are not retained;
(3) provisions relating to the rights, exemptions and obligations of military forces stationed in Hong Kong by the United Kingdom are retained subject to the provisions of the Basic Law and the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Garrisoning of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and shall apply to the military forces stationed in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China;
(4) provisions relating to the superior legal status of the English language as compared with the Chinese language shall be construed as providing that both the Chinese and English languages are to be official languages;
(5) provisions applying any English law may continue to be applicable by reference thereto as a transitional arrangement pending their amendment by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, provided that they are not prejudicial to the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China and do not contravene the provisions of the Basic Law.
5. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the names or expressions appearing in the laws previously in force in Hong Kong that are adopted as the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be construed or applied in accordance with the principles of substitution provided for in Annex 3 to this Decision.
6. If any laws previously in force in Hong Kong which have been adopted as the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are later discovered to be in contravention of the Basic Law, they shall be amended or shall cease to have force in accordance with the procedure as prescribed by the Basic Law.
Annex 1
The following ordinances and subordinate legislation previously in force in Hong Kong, which contravene the Basic Law, are not adopted as the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:
1. Trustees (Hong Kong Government Securities) Ordinance (Cap 77, Laws of Hong Kong);
2. Application of English Law Ordinance (Cap 88, Laws of Hong Kong);
3. Foreign Marriage Ordinance (Cap 180, Laws of Hong Kong);
4. Chinese Extradition Ordinance (Cap 235, Laws of Hong Kong);
5. Colony Armorial Bearings (Protection) Ordinance (Cap 315, Laws of Hong Kong);
6. Secretary of State for Defence (Succession to Property) Ordinance (Cap 193, Laws of Hong Kong);
7. Royal Hong Kong Regiment Ordinance (Cap 199, Laws of Hong Kong);
8. Compulsory Service Ordinance (Cap 246, Laws of Hong Kong);
9. Army and Royal Air Force Legal Services Ordinance (Cap 286, Laws of Hong Kong);
10. British Nationality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap 186, Laws of Hong Kong);
11. British Nationality Act 1981 (Consequential Amendments) Ordinance (Cap 373, Laws of Hong Kong);
12. Electoral Provisions Ordinance (Cap 367, Laws of Hong Kong);
13. Legislative Council (Electoral Provisions) Ordinance (Cap 381, Laws of Hong Kong);
14. Boundary and Election Commission Ordinance (Cap 432, Laws of Hong Kong).
Annex 2
The following provisions in ordinances and subordinate legislation previously in force in Hong Kong, which are in contravention of the Basic Law, are not adopted as the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:
1. the definition of “Hong Kong permanent resident” in section 2 of the Immigration Ordinance (Cap 115, Laws of Hong Kong) and the provisions relating to “Hong Kong permanent residents” in Schedule 1 to that Ordinance;
2. any provision giving effect to the British Nationality Act as applied in Hong Kong;
3. provisions relating to election in the Urban Council Ordinance (Cap 101, Laws of Hong Kong);
4. provisions relating to election in the Regional Council Ordinance (Cap 385, Laws of Hong Kong);
5. provisions relating to election in the District Boards Ordinance (Cap 366, Laws of Hong Kong);
6. the Urban Council, Regional Council and District Board Election Expenses Order (sub. leg. A) and the Resolution of the Legislative Council (sub. leg. C) made under the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance (Cap 288, Laws of Hong Kong);
7. provisions relating to the interpretation and application of the Ordinance in section 2(3), the effect on pre-existing legislation in section 3 and the interpretation of subsequent legislation in section 4 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance (Cap 383, Laws of Hong Kong);
8. provisions relating to the overriding status of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486, Laws of Hong Kong) in section 3(2) of that Ordinance;
9. major amendments to the Societies Ordinance (Cap 151, Laws of Hong Kong) since 17 July 1992;
10. major amendments to the Public Order Ordinance (Cap 245, Laws of Hong Kong) since 27 July 1995.
Annex 3
Names or expressions in the laws previously in force in Hong Kong that are adopted as the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall generally be construed or applied in accordance with the following principles of substitution:
1. In the case of any provision in which any reference is made to “Her Majesty”, “the Crown”, “the British Government” or “the Secretary of State” or to a similar name or expression, where the content of the provision relates to title to land in Hong Kong or involves affairs provided for in the Basic Law for which the Central People’s Government is responsible or involves the relationship between the Central People’s Government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the name or expression shall be construed as the Central People’s Government or other competent authorities of the People’s Republic of China. In other cases, the name or expression shall be construed as the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
2. In the case of any provision in which any reference is made to “Her Majesty in Council” or “the Privy Council”, where the content of the provision relates to appellate jurisdiction, the name or expression shall be construed as the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In other cases, the name or expression shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 hereof.
3. In the case of a Government agency or a semi-official agency bearing a name with the word “Royal”, the word “Royal” shall be removed from its name and the agency shall be construed as the corresponding agency of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
4. Any reference to “the Colony” shall be construed as a reference to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and any description of the territories of Hong Kong shall be construed and applied by reference to the map of the administrative division of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region published by the State Council.
5. Any reference to such name or expression as “the Supreme Court” or “the High Court” shall be construed respectively as a reference to the High Court or the Court of First Instance of the High Court.
6. Any reference to such name or expression as “the Governor”, “the Governor in Council”, “the Chief Secretary”, “the Attorney General”, “the Chief Justice”, “the Secretary for Home Affairs”, “the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs”, “the Commissioner of Customs and Excise” and “Justice” shall be construed respectively as a reference to the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Chief Executive in Council, the Administrative Secretary, the Secretary for Justice, the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal or Chief Judge of the High Court, the Secretary for Home Affairs, the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise or Judge of the High Court.
7. Any reference in the Chinese text of any law previously in force in Hong Kong to such name or expression as the Legislative Council, the Judiciary or the Executive Authorities or the officers of those bodies shall be construed and applied in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law.
8. In the case of any provision in which any reference is made to “the People’s Republic of China” or “China” or to a similar name or expression, such reference shall be construed as a reference to the People’s Republic of China as including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau; and in the case of any provision in which any reference is made to such name or expression as the Mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong or Macau, whether separately or concurrently, such reference shall be construed respectively as a reference to the Mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong or Macau, as a part of the People’s Republic of China.
9. In the case of any provision in which any reference is made to “foreign state” or “foreign country” or to a similar term or expression, such reference shall be construed as a reference to any state, country or territory other than the People’s Republic of China, or as a reference to “any place other than the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, as the context of the relevant law or provision requires; and in the case of any provision in which any reference is made to “alien” or to a similar term or expression, such reference shall be construed as a reference to a person other than a citizen of the People’s Republic of China.
10. Any reference in any provision to “nothing in this Ordinance shall affect or be deemed to affect the rights of Her Majesty the Queen, Her heirs or successors” shall be construed as a reference to “nothing in this Ordinance shall affect or be deemed to affect the rights of the Central People’s Government or the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Basic law or other laws”.
Instrument 17
The Interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of Articles 22(4) and 24(2)(3) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
(Adopted at the Tenth Session of the Standing Committee of the Ninth National People’s Congress on 26 June 1999)
The Standing Committee of the Ninth National People’s Congress examined at its Tenth Session the “Motion Regarding the Request for an Interpretation of Articles 22(4) and 24(2)(3) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China” submitted by the State Council. The motion of the State Council was submitted upon the report furnished by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the relevant provisions of Articles 43 and 48(2) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. The issue raised in the Motion concerns the interpretation of the relevant provisions of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China by the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in its judgment dated 29 January 1999. Those relevant provisions concern affairs which are the responsibility of the Central People’s Government and concern the relationship between the Central Authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Before making its judgment, the Court of Final Appeal had not sought an interpretation of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in compliance with the requirement of Article 158(3) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. Moreover, the interpretation of the Court of Final Appeal is not consistent with the legislative intent. Therefore, having consulted the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress has decided to make, under the provisions of Article 67(4) of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and Article 158(1) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, an interpretation of the provisions of Articles 22(4) and 24(2)(3) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China as follows:
1. The provisions of Article 22(4) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China regarding “For entry into the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, people from other parts of China must apply for approval” mean as follows: People from all provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities directly under the Central Government, including those persons of Chinese nationality born outside Hong Kong of Hong Kong permanent residents, who wish to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for whatever reason, must apply to the relevant authorities of their residential districts for approval in accordance with the relevant national laws and administrative regulations, and must hold valid documents issued by the relevant authorities before they can enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It is unlawful for people from all provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities directly under the Central Government, including persons of Chinese nationality born outside Hong Kong of Hong Kong permanent residents, to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region without complying with the appropriate approval procedure prescribed by the relevant national laws and administrative regulations.
2. It is stipulated in the first three categories of Article 24(2) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China that the “permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be:
(1) Chinese citizens born in Hong Kong before or after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
(2) Chinese citizens who have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years before or after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
(3) Persons of Chinese nationality born outside Hong Kong of those residents listed in categories (1) and (2);”.
The provisions of category (3) regarding the “persons of Chinese nationality born outside Hong Kong of those residents listed in categories (1) and (2)” mean both parents of such persons, whether born before or after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or either of such parents must have fulfilled the condition prescribed by category (1) or (2) of Article 24(2) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China at the time of their birth. The legislative intent as stated by this Interpretation, together with the legislative intent of all other categories of Article 24(2) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, have been reflected in the “Opinions on the Implementation of Article 24(2) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China” adopted at the Fourth Plenary Meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the National People’s Congress on 10 August 1996.
As from the promulgation of this Interpretation, the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, when referring to the relevant provisions of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, shall adhere to this Interpretation. This Interpretation does not affect the right of abode in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which has been acquired under the judgment of the Court of Final Appeal on the relevant cases dated 29 January 1999 by the parties concerned in the relevant legal proceedings. Other than that, the question whether any other person fulfils the conditions prescribed by Article 24(2)(3) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China shall be determined by reference to this Interpretation.
Instrument 18
The Interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of Article 7 of Annex I and Article III of Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
(Adopted at the Eighth Session of the Standing Committee of the Tenth National People’s Congress on 6 April 2004.)
The Standing Committee of the Tenth National People’s Congress examined at its Eighth Session the motion regarding the request for examination of “The Draft Interpretation of Article 7 of Annex I and Article III of Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China” submitted by the Council of Chairmen. Having consulted the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress has decided to make, under the provisions of Article 67(4) of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and Article 158(1) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, an interpretation of the provisions of Article 7 of Annex I “Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China regarding “If there is a need to amend the method for selecting the Chief Executives for the terms subsequent to the year 2007, such amendments must be made with the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Legislative Council and the consent of the Chief Executive, and they shall be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for approval” and the provisions of Article III of Annex II “Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Its Voting Procedures” regarding “With regard to the method for forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its procedures for voting on bills and motions after 2007, if there is a need to amend the provisions of this Annex, such amendments must be made with the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Council and the consent of the Chief Executive, and they shall be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for the record” as follows:
1. The phrases “subsequent to the year 2007” and “after 2007” stipulated in the two above-mentioned Annexes include the year 2007.
2. The provisions in the two above-mentioned Annexes that “if there is a need” to amend the method for selecting the Chief Executives for the terms subsequent to the year 2007 or the method for forming the Legislative Council and its procedures for voting on bills and motions after 2007 mean they may be amended or remain unamended.
3. The provisions in the two above-mentioned Annexes that any amendment must be made with the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Legislative Council and the consent of the Chief Executive and shall be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for approval or for the record mean the requisite legislative process through which the method for selecting the Chief Executive and the method for forming the Legislative Council and its procedures for voting on bills and motions are amended. Such an amendment may take effect only if it has gone through the said process, including the approval or recording ultimately given or made by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in accordance with law. The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall make a report to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress as regards whether there is a need to make an amendment; and the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress shall, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 45 and 68 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, make a determination in the light of the actual situation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. The bills on the amendments to the method for selecting the Chief Executive and the method for forming the Legislative Council and its procedures for voting on bills and motions and the proposed amendments to such bills shall be introduced by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region into the Legislative Council.
4. If no amendment is made to the method for selecting the Chief Executive, the method for forming the Legislative Council and its procedures for voting on bills and motions as stipulated in the two above-mentioned Annexes, the provisions relating to the method for selecting the Chief Executive in Annex I will still be applicable to the method for selecting the Chief Executive, and the provisions relating to the method for forming the third term of the Legislative Council in Annex II and the provisions relating to its procedures for voting on bills and motions in Annex II will still be applicable to the method for forming the Legislative Council and its procedures for voting on bills and motions.
This Interpretation is hereby proclaimed.
Instrument 19
Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Issues Relating to the Methods for Selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Year 2007 and for Forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Year 2008
(Adopted at the Ninth Session of the Standing Committee of the Tenth National People’s Congress on 26 April 2004.)
The Standing Committee of the Tenth National People’s Congress examined at its Ninth Session the “Report on whether there is a need to amend the methods for selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2007 and for forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2008” submitted by Tung Chee-hwa, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, on 15 April 2004 and, before the Session, had consulted the Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress, the Hong Kong members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, different sectors of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong members of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and the Constitutional Development Task Force of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and had also sought the views of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress was, in the course of the examination, fully aware of the recent concerns of the Hong Kong society about the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council after the year 2007, including the views of some bodies and people that they wish to see the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage in the year 2007 and the election of all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage in the year 2008.
The Session is of the view that Articles 45 and 68 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as “Hong Kong Basic Law”) already expressly provide that the methods for selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and for forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be specified in the light of the actual situation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress, and that the ultimate aims are the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures and the election of all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage. The methods for selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and for forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall conform to the above principles and provisions of the Hong Kong Basic Law. Any change relating to the methods for selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and for forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall conform to principles such as being compatible with the social, economic, political development of Hong Kong, being conducive to the balanced participation of all sectors and groups of the society, being conducive to the effective operation of the executive-led system, being conducive to the maintenance of the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
The Session is of the view that since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong residents have enjoyed democratic rights that they have never had before. The first Chief Executive was elected by the Selection Committee, which was composed of 400 members. The second Chief Executive was elected by the Election Committee, which was composed of 800 members. Out of the 60 members of the Legislative Council, the number of members returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections increased from 20 in the Legislative Council in the first term to 24 in the Legislative Council in the second term and will reach 30 in the Legislative Council in the third term to be formed this September. Hong Kong does not have a long history of practising democratic elections. Until now, Hong Kong residents have exercised the democratic right to participate in the selection of the Chief Executive of the Special Administrative Region for less than 7 years. Since the reunification of Hong Kong with the motherland, the number of members of the Legislative Council returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections has already substantially increased. When the set-up is such that half of the members are returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections and half of the members are returned by functional constituencies, the impact on the operation of the Hong Kong society as a whole, especially the impact on the executive-led system, remains to be examined through practice. Further, at present, different sectors of the Hong Kong society still have considerable differences on how to determine the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council after the year 2007 and have not come to a broad consensus. In the circumstances, conditions do not exist for the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures as provided for in Article 45 of the Hong Kong Basic Law and the election of all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage as provided for in Article 68 of the Hong Kong Basic Law.
In the light of the above and pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Hong Kong Basic Law and “The Interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of Article 7 of Annex I and Article III of Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China”, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress makes the following decision on the methods for selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the year 2007 and for forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the year 2008:
1. The election of the third Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to be held in the year 2007 shall not be by means of universal suffrage. The election of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the fourth term in the year 2008 shall not be by means of an election of all the members by universal suffrage. The ratio between members returned by functional constituencies and members returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections, who shall respectively occupy half of the seats, is to remain unchanged. The procedures for voting on bills and motions in the Legislative Council are to remain unchanged.
2. Subject to Article 1 of this Decision not being contravened, appropriate amendments that conform to the principle of gradual and orderly progress may be made to the specific method for selecting the third Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the year 2007 and the specific method for forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the fourth term in the year 2008 according to the provisions of Articles 45 and 68 of the Hong Kong Basic Law and the provisions of Article 7 of Annex I and Article III of Annex II to the Hong Kong Basic Law.
The Session is of the view that developing democracy in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the light of the actual situation and in a gradual and orderly manner according to the provisions of the Hong Kong Basic Law has all along been the resolute and firm stance of the Central Authorities. With the development and progress in all aspects of the Hong Kong society and through the joint endeavours of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Hong Kong residents, the democratic system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will certainly be able to progress forward incessantly, and ultimately attain the aims of selecting the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures and electing all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage provided for in the Hong Kong Basic Law.
Instrument 20
Interpretation of Paragraph 2, Article 53 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress
(Adopted at the Fifteenth Session of the Standing Committee of the Tenth National People’s Congress on 27 April 2005.)
The Standing Committee of the Tenth National People’s Congress at its 15th session deliberated the State Council’s Proposal on Requesting Interpretation of Paragraph 2, Article 53 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. In accordance with Item 4, Article 67 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and Paragraph 1, Article 158 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and after consulting the Committee for the Basic Law of the HKSAR under the NPC Standing Committee, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress hereby makes the following interpretation on Paragraph 2, Article 53 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
Paragraph 2, Article 53 of the Basic Law stipulates, “In the event that the office of Chief Executive becomes vacant, a new Chief Executive shall be selected within six months in accordance with the provisions of Article 45 of this Law.” The phrase “a new Chief Executive shall be selected ... in accordance with the provisions of Article 45 of this Law” implies that both the method of selecting and the term of office of the new Chief Executive shall be as prescribed and determined by the said Article.
Paragraph 3, Article 45 of the Basic Law stipulates, “The specific method for selecting the Chief Executive is prescribed in Annex I ‘Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’.” Clause 1 of Annex I stipulates, “The Chief Executive shall be elected by a broadly representative Election Committee in accordance with this Law and appointed by the Central People’s Government.” Clause 2 of Annex I stipulates, “The term of office of the Election Committee shall be five years.” Clause 7 of Annex I stipulates, “If there is a need to amend the method for selecting the Chief Executives for the terms subsequent to the year 2007, such amendments must be made with the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Legislative Council and the consent of the Chief Executive, and they shall be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for approval.” These provisions make it clear that prior to the year 2007, when the Chief Executive is selected by the Election Committee with a five-year term of office, in the event that the office of Chief Executive becomes vacant as he (she) fails to serve the full term of office of five years as prescribed by Article 46 of the Basic Law, the term of office of the new Chief Executive shall be the remainder of the previous Chief Executive; and that after 2007, the above-mentioned method for selecting the Chief Executives could be amended, and should the office of the Chief Executive then become vacant, the term of office of the new Chief Executive shall be determined in accordance with the amended method for the selection of the Chief Executive.
This Interpretation is hereby announced.
Instrument 21
Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Issues Relating to the Methods for Selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and for Forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Year 2012 and on Issues Relating to Universal Suffrage
(Adopted at the Thirty First Session of the Standing Committee of the Tenth National People’s Congress on 29 December 2007)
The Standing Committee of the Tenth National People’s Congress considered at its Thirty-first Session the “Report on the Public Consultation on Constitutional Development and on whether there is a need to amend the methods for selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and for forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2012” submitted by Tsang Yam-kuen, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, on 12 December 2007. The Session is of the view that appropriate amendments may be made to the specific method for selecting the fourth Chief Executive and the specific method for forming the fifth term Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the year 2012; that the election of the fifth Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the year 2017 may be implemented by the method of universal suffrage; that after the Chief Executive is selected by universal suffrage, the election of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may be implemented by the method of electing all the members by universal suffrage. Pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and “The Interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of Article 7 of Annex I and Article III of Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China”, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress hereby makes the following decision:
1. The election of the fourth Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the year 2012 shall not be implemented by the method of universal suffrage. The election of the fifth term Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the year 2012 shall not be implemented by the method of electing all the members by universal suffrage. The half-and-half ratio between members returned by functional constituencies and members returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections shall remain unchanged. The procedures for voting on bills and motions in the Legislative Council shall remain unchanged. Subject to the aforementioned, appropriate amendments conforming to the principle of gradual and orderly progress may be made to the specific method for selecting the fourth Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the year 2012 and the specific method for forming the fifth term Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the year 2012 in accordance with the provisions of Articles 45 and 68, and those of Article 7 of Annex I and Article III of Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
2. At an appropriate time prior to the selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by universal suffrage, the Chief Executive shall make a report to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress as regards the issue of amending the method for selecting the Chief Executive in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Hong Kong Basic Law and “The Interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of Article 7 of Annex I and Article III of Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China”; a determination thereon shall be made by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. The bills on the amendments to the method for selecting the Chief Executive and the proposed amendments to such bills shall be introduced by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to the Legislative Council; such amendments must be made with the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Legislative Council and the consent of the Chief Executive and they shall be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for approval.
3. At an appropriate time prior to the election of all the members of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by universal suffrage, the Chief Executive shall make a report to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress as regards the issue of amending the method for forming the Legislative Council and the issue of whether any corresponding amendment should be made to the procedures for voting on bills and motions in the Legislative Council in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Hong Kong Basic Law and “The Interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of Article 7 of Annex I and Article III of Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China”; a determination thereon shall be made by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. The bills on the amendments to the method for forming the Legislative Council and its procedures for voting on bills and motions and the proposed amendments to such bills shall be introduced by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to the Legislative Council; such amendments must be made with the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Legislative Council and the consent of the Chief Executive and they shall be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for the record.
4. If no amendment is made to the method for selecting the Chief Executive, the method for forming the Legislative Council or its procedures for voting on bills and motions in accordance with the legal procedures, the method for selecting the Chief Executive used for the preceding term shall continue to apply, and the method for forming the Legislative Council and the procedures for voting on bills and motions used for the preceding term shall continue to apply.
The Session is of the view that in accordance with the provisions of Article 45 of the Hong Kong Basic Law, in selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by the method of universal suffrage, a broadly representative nominating committee shall be formed. The nominating committee may be formed with reference to the current provisions regarding the Election Committee in Annex I to the Hong Kong Basic Law. The nominating committee shall in accordance with democratic procedures nominate a certain number of candidates for the office of the Chief Executive, who is to be elected through universal suffrage by all registered electors of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and to be appointed by the Central People’s Government.
The Session is of the view that with the joint efforts of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the people of Hong Kong, the democratic system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will definitely make progress continuously, and that the aim of the selection of the Chief Executive and the election of all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage will be realized in accordance with the Hong Kong Basic Law and this Decision.
Instrument 22
Interpretation of Paragraph 1, Article 13 and Article 19 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress
(Adopted at the Twenty Second Session of the Standing Committee of the Eleventh National People’s Congress on 26 August 2011)
The Standing Committee of the Eleventh National People’s Congress examined at its Twenty-second Session the motion regarding the request for examination of The Draft Interpretation of Paragraph 1, Article 13 and Article 19 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress submitted by the Council of Chairmen. The motion of the Council of Chairmen was submitted upon the report by the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region requesting the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress to interpret the relevant provisions of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 3, Article 158 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
The Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region needs to ascertain, in adjudicating a case involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whether the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region should apply the rules or policies on state immunity as determined by the Central People’s Government. For this purpose, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 3, Article 158 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, seeks an interpretation from the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on the following questions: “(1) whether on the true interpretation of Paragraph 1, Article 13, the Central People’s Government has the power to determine the rule or policy of the People’s Republic of China on state immunity; (2)
if so, whether, on the true interpretation of Paragraph 1, Article 13 and Article 19, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), including the courts of the HKSAR: (1) is bound to apply or give effect to the rule or policy on state immunity determined by the Central People’s Government under Paragraph 1, Article 13; or (2) on the other hand, is at liberty to depart from the rule or policy on state immunity determined by the Central People’s Government under Paragraph 1, Article 13 and to adopt a different rule; (3) whether the determination by the Central People’s Government as to the rule or policy on state immunity falls within ‘acts of state such as defence and foreign affairs’ in the first sentence of Paragraph 3, Article 19 of the Basic Law; and (4) whether, upon the establishment of the HKSAR, the effect of Paragraph 1, Article 13, Article 19 and the status of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China upon the common law on state immunity previously in force in Hong Kong (that is, before 1 July 1997), to the extent that such common law was inconsistent with the rule or policy on state immunity as determined by the Central People’s Government pursuant to Paragraph 1, Article 13, was to require such common law to be applied subject to such modifications, adaptations, limitations or exceptions as were necessary to ensure that such common law is consistent with the rule or policy on state immunity as determined by the Central People’s Government, in accordance with Articles 8 and 160 of the Basic Law and the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress dated 23 February 1997 made pursuant to Article 160.” The above request for interpretation by the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region complies with the provisions of Paragraph 3, Article 158 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
In accordance with Subparagraph (4), Article 67 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and Article 158 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and after consulting the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, in relation to the request for interpretation by the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, hereby makes the following interpretation of the provisions of Paragraph 1, Article 13 and Article 19 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and related issues:
1. On question (1) on which an interpretation is sought by the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. According to Subparagraph (9), Article 89 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, the State Council as the Central People’s Government exercises the function and power to conduct the foreign affairs of the State; as the rules or policies on state immunity fall within diplomatic affairs in the realm of the foreign affairs of the state, the Central People’s Government has the power to determine the rules or policies of the People’s Republic of China on state immunity to be given effect to uniformly in the territory of the People’s Republic of China. Based on the above, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 1, Article 13 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China that “[t]he Central People’s Government shall be responsible for the foreign affairs relating to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, the conduct of the foreign affairs relating to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region falls within the power of the Central People’s Government. The Central People’s Government has the power to determine the rules or policies on state immunity to be applied in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
2. On question (2) on which an interpretation is sought by the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. According to the provisions of Paragraph 1, Article 13 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and Article 1 of this Interpretation, the Central People’s Government has the power to determine the rules or policies on state immunity to be applied in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. According to the provision of Article 19 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and Article 3 of this Interpretation, the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have no jurisdiction over the act of the Central People’s Government in determining the rules or policies on state immunity. Therefore, when questions of immunity from jurisdiction and immunity from execution of foreign states and their properties arise in the adjudication of cases, the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must apply and give effect to the rules or policies on state immunity determined by the Central People’s Government as being applicable to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Based on the above, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 1, Article 13 and Article 19 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, including the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is under a duty to apply or give effect to the rules or policies on state immunity that the Central People’s Government has determined, and must not depart from the abovementioned rules or policies nor adopt a rule that is inconsistent with the abovementioned rules or policies.
3. On question (3) on which an interpretation is sought by the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. State immunity concerns whether the courts of a state have jurisdiction over foreign states and their properties and whether foreign states and their properties enjoy immunity in the courts of a state. It directly relates to the state’s foreign relations and international rights and obligations. Therefore, the determination as to the rules or policies on state immunity is an act of state involving foreign affairs. Based on the above, “acts of state such as defence and foreign affairs” as stipulated in Paragraph 3, Article 19 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China includes the act of determination by the Central People’s Government as to the rules or policies on state immunity.
4. On question (4) on which an interpretation is sought by the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. According to the provisions of Articles 8 and 160 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, the laws previously in force in Hong Kong shall be maintained only if there is no contravention of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. In accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 4 of the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Treatment of the Laws Previously in Force in Hong Kong in accordance with Article 160 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, such of the laws previously in force in Hong Kong which have been adopted as the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, as from 1 July 1997, be applied subject to such modifications, adaptations, limitations or exceptions as are necessary so as to bring them into conformity with the status of Hong Kong after resumption by the People’s Republic of China of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong as well as to be in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as a local administrative region of the People’s Republic of China that enjoys a high degree of autonomy and comes directly under the Central People’s Government, must give effect to the rules or policies on state immunity as determined by the Central People’s Government. The laws previously in force in Hong Kong relating to the rules on state immunity may continue to be applied after 1 July 1997 only if they comply with the above requirements. Based on the above, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 1, Article 13 and Article 19 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, such of the laws previously in force in Hong Kong concerning the rules on state immunity which have been adopted as the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region according to the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Treatment of the Laws Previously in Force in Hong Kong in accordance with Article 160 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, when applied as from 1 July 1997, must be subject to such modifications, adaptations, limitations or exceptions as are necessary so as to be consistent with the rules or policies on state immunity that the Central People’s Government has determined.
The interpretation is hereby announced.
中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法
重要告示
小冊子所載的資料並無法律地位，只供參考之用，不應援引作《基法》及本小冊子所載的其他相關憲法文件具法定地位的文本。使用如要查閱本小冊子所載文件具法定地位的文本，應查閱香港法例活版及政府憲報。
中華人民共和國主席令
第二十六號
《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》，包括附件一：《香港特別行政區行政長官的產生辦法》，附件二：《香港特別行政區立法會的產生辦法和表決程序》，附件三：《在香港特別行政區實施的全國性法律》，以及香港特別行政區區旗、區徽圖案，已由中華人民共和國第七屆全國人民代表大會第三次會議於1990年4月4日通過，現予公布，自1997年7月1日起實施。
中華人民共和國主席
楊尚昆1990年4月4日
中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法
(1990年4月4日第七屆全國人民代表大會第三次會議通過
1990年4月4日中華人民共和國主席令第二十六號公布，
自1997年7月1日起施行)
序言
香港自古以來就是中國的領土，一八四○年鴉片戰爭以後被英國佔領。一九八四年十二月十九日，中英兩國政府簽署了關於香港問題的聯合聲明，確認中華人民共和國政府於一九九七年七月一日恢復對香港行使主權，從而實現了長期以來中國人民收回香港的共同願望。
為了維護國家的統一和領土完整，保持香港的繁榮和穩定，並考慮到香港的歷史和現實情況，國家決定，在對香港恢復行使主權時，根據中華人民共和國憲法第三十一條的規定，設立香港特別行政區，並按照“一個國家，兩種制度”的方針，不在香港實行社會主義的制度和政策。國家對香港的基本方針政策，已由中國政府在中英聯合聲明中予以闡明。
根據中華人民共和國憲法，全國人民代表大會特制定中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法，規定香港特別行政區實行的制度，以保障國家對香港的基本方針政策的實施。
第一章 總 則
第一條 香港特別行政區是中華人民共和國不可分離的部分。
第二條 全國人民代表大會授權香港特別行政區依照本法的規定實行高度自治，享有行政管理權、立法權、獨立的司法權和終審權。
第三條 香港特別行政區的行政機關和立法機關由香港永久性居民依照本法有關規定組成。
第四條 香港特別行政區依法保障香港特別行政區居民和其他人的權利和自由。
第五條 香港特別行政區不實行社會主義制度和政策，保持原有的資本主義制度和生活方式，五十年不變。
第六條 香港特別行政區依法保護私有財產權。
第七條 香港特別行政區境內的土地和自然資源屬於國家所有，由香港特別行政區政府負責管理、使用、開發、出租或批給個人、法人或團體使用或開發，其收入全歸香港特別行政區政府支配。
第八條 香港原有法律，即普通法、衡平法、條例、附屬立法和習慣法，除同本法相抵觸或經香港特別行政區的立法機關作出修改者外，予以保留。
第九條 香港特別行政區的行政機關、立法機關和司法機關，除使用中文外，還可使用英文，英文也是正式語文。
第十條 香港特別行政區除懸掛中華人民共和國國旗和國徽外，還可使用香港特別行政區區旗和區徽。香港特別行政區的區旗是五星花蕊的紫荊花紅旗。香港特別行政區的區徽，中間是五星花蕊的紫荊花，周圍寫
有“中華人民共和國香港特別行政區”和英文“香港”。
第十一條根據中華人民共和國憲法第三十一條，香港特別行政區的制度和政策，包括社會、經濟制度，有關保障居民的基本權利和自由的制度，行政管理、立法和司法方面的制度，以及有關政策，均以本法的規定為依據。
香港特別行政區立法機關制定的任何法律，均不得同本法相抵觸。
第二章
中央和香港特別行政區的關係
第十二條 香港特別行政區是中華人民共和國的一個享有高度自治權的地方行政區域，直轄於中央人民政府。
第十三條 中央人民政府負責管理與香港特別行政區有關的外交事務。中華人民共和國外交部在香港設立機構處理外交事務。中央人民政府授權香港特別行政區依照本法自行處理有關的對外事務。
第十四條 中央人民政府負責管理香港特別行政區的防務。香港特別行政區政府負責維持香港特別行政區的社會治安。中央人民政府派駐香港特別行政區負責防務的軍隊不干預香港特別行政區的地方事務。香港特別行政區政府在必要時，可向中央人民政府請求駐軍協助維持社會治安和救助災害。駐軍人員除須遵守全國性的法律外，還須遵守香港特別行政區的法律。駐軍費用由中央人民政府負擔。
第十五條 中央人民政府依照本法第四章的規定任命香港特別行政區行政長官和行政機關的主要官員。
第十六條 香港特別行政區享有行政管理權，依照本法的有關規定自行處理香港特別行政區的行政事務。
第十七條 香港特別行政區享有立法權。香港特別行政區的立法機關制定的法律須報全國人民代表大會常務委員會備案。備案不影響該法律的生效。全國人民代表大會常務委員會在徵詢其所屬的香港特別行政區基本法委員會後，如認為香港特別行政區立法機關制定的任何法律不符合本法關於中央管理的事務及中央和香港特別行政區的關係的條款，可將有關法律發回，但不作修改。經全國人民代表大會常務委員會發回的法律立即失效。該法律的失效，除香港特別行政區的法律另有規定外，無溯及力。
第十八條在香港特別行政區實行的法律為本法以及本法第八條規定的香港原有法律和香港特別行政區立法機關制定的法律。
全國性法律除列於本法附件三者外，不在香港特別行政區實施。凡列於本法附件三之法律，由香港特別行政區在當地公布或立法實施。全國人民代表大會常務委員會在徵詢其所屬的香港特別行政區基本法委員會和香港特別行政區政府的意見後，可對列於本法附件三的法律作出增減，任何列入附件三的法律，限於有關國防、外交和其他按本法規定不屬於香港特別行政區自治範圍的法律。
全國人民代表大會常務委員會決定宣布戰爭狀態或因香港特別行政區內發生香港特別行政區政府不能控制的危及國家統一或安全的動亂而決定香港特別行政區進入緊急狀態，中央人民政府可發布命令將有關全國性法律在香港特別行政區實施。
第十九條香港特別行政區享有獨立的司法權和終審權。香港特別行政區法院除繼續保持香港原有法律制度和原則對法院審判權所作的限制外，對香港特別行政區所有的案件均有審判權。香港特別行政區法院對國防、外交等國家行為無管轄權。香港特別行政區法院在審理案件中遇有涉及國防、外交等國家行為的事實問題，應取得行政長官就該等問題發出的證明文件，上述文件對法院有約束力。行政長官在發出證明文件前，須取得中央人民政府的證明書。
第二十條香港特別行政區可享有全國人民代表大會和全國人民代表大會常務委員會及中央人民政府授予的其他權力。
第二十一條香港特別行政區居民中的中國公民依法參與國家事務的管理。根據全國人民代表大會確定的名額和代表產生辦法，由香港特別行政區居民中的中國公民在香港選出香港特別行政區的全國人民代表大會代表，參加最高國家權力機關的工作。
第二十二條中央人民政府所屬各部門、各省、自治區、直轄市均不得干預香港特別行政區根據本法自行管理的事務。中央各部門、各省、自治區、直轄市如需在香港特別行政區設立機構，須徵得香港特別行政區政府同意並經中央人民政府批准。中央各部門、各省、自治區、直轄市在香港特別行政區設立的一切機構及其人員均須遵守香港特別行政區的法律。
*中國其他地區的人進入香港特別行政區須辦理批准手續，其中進入香港特別行政區定居的人數由中央人民政府主管部門徵求香港特別行政區政府的意見後確定。
香港特別行政區可在北京設立辦事機構。
第二十三條香港特別行政區應自行立法禁止任何叛國、分裂國家、煽動叛亂、顛覆中央人民政府及竊取國家機密的行為，禁止外國的政治性組織或團體在香港特別行政區進行政治活動，禁止香港特別行政區的政治性組織或團體與外國的政治性組織或團體建立聯繫。
第三章
居民的基本權利和義務
第二十四條 香港特別行政區居民，簡稱香港居民，包括永久性居民和非永久性居民。香港特別行政區永久性居民為：
(一) 在香港特別行政區成立以前或以後在香港出生的中國公民；
(二) 在香港特別行政區成立以前或以後在香港通常居住連續七年以上的中國公民；
(三) 第(一)、(二)兩項所列居民在香港以外所生的中國籍子女；
(四) 在香港特別行政區成立以前或以後持有效旅行證件進入香港、在香港通常居住連續七年以上並以香港為永久居住地的非中國籍的人；
(五) 在香港特別行政區成立以前或以後第(四)項所列居民在香港所生的未滿二十一周歲的子女；
(六) 第(一)至(五)項所列居民以外在香港特別行政區成立以前只在香港有居留權的人。
以上居民在香港特別行政區享有居留權和有資格依照香港特別行政區法律取得載明其居留權的永久性居民身份證。
香港特別行政區非永久性居民為：有資格依照香港特別行政區法律取得香港居民身份證，但沒有居留權的人。
第二十五條 香港居民在法律面前一律平等。
第二十六條香港特別行政區永久性居民依法享有選舉權和被選舉權。
第二十七條香港居民享有言論、新聞、出版的自由，結社、集會、遊行、示威的自由，組織和參加工會、罷工的權利和自由。
第二十八條香港居民的人身自由不受侵犯。香港居民不受任意或非法逮捕、拘留、監禁。禁止任意或非法搜查居民的身體、剝奪或限制居民的人身自由。禁止對居民施行酷刑、任意或非法剝奪居民的生命。
第二十九條香港居民的住宅和其他房屋不受侵犯。禁止任意或非法搜查、侵入居民的住宅和其他房屋。
第三十條香港居民的通訊自由和通訊秘密受法律的保護。除因公共安全和追查刑事犯罪的需要，由有關機關依照法律程序對通訊進行檢查外，任何部門或個人不得以任何理由侵犯居民的通訊自由和通訊秘密。
第三十一條香港居民有在香港特別行政區境內遷徙的自由，有移居其他國家和地區的自由。香港居民有旅行和出入境的自由。有效旅行證件的持有人，除非受到法律制止，可自由離開香港特別行政區，無需特別批准。
第三十二條香港居民有信仰的自由。香港居民有宗教信仰的自由，有公開傳教和舉行、參加宗教活動的自由。
第三十三條香港居民有選擇職業的自由。
第三十四條香港居民有進行學術研究、文學藝術創作和其他文化活動的自由。
第三十五條香港居民有權得到秘密法律諮詢、向法院提起訴訟、選擇律師及時保護自己的合法權益或在法庭上為其代理和獲得司法補救。香港居民有權對行政部門和行政人員的行為向法院提起訴訟。
第三十六條香港居民有依法享受社會福利的權利。勞工的福利待遇和退休保障受法律保護。
第三十七條香港居民的婚姻自由和自願生育的權利受法律保護。
第三十八條香港居民享有香港特別行政區法律保障的其他權利和自由。
第三十九條《公民權利和政治權利國際公約》、《經濟、社會與文化權利的國際公約》和國際勞工公約適用於香港的有關規定繼續有效，通過香港特別行政區的法律予以實施。香港居民享有的權利和自由，除依法規定外不得限制，此種限制不得與本條第一款規定抵觸。
第四十條“新界”原居民的合法傳統權益受香港特別行政區的保護。
第四十一條在香港特別行政區境內的香港居民以外的其他人，依法享有本章規定的香港居民的權利和自由。
第四十二條香港居民和在香港的其他人有遵守香港特別行政區實行的法律的義務。
第四章
政治體制
第一節
行政長官
第四十三條香港特別行政區行政長官是香港特別行政區的首長，代表香港特別行政區。
香港特別行政區行政長官依照本法的規定對中央人民政府和香港特別行政區負責。
第四十四條香港特別行政區行政長官由年滿四十周歲，在香港通常居住連續滿二十年並在外國無居留權的香港特別行政區永久性居民中的中國公民擔任。
第四十五條香港特別行政區行政長官在當地通過選舉或協商產生，由中央人民政府任命。
行政長官的產生辦法根據香港特別行政區的實際情況和循序漸進的原則而規定，最終達至由一個有廣泛代表性的提名委員會按民主程序提名後普選產生的目標。
行政長官產生的具體辦法由附件一《香港特別行政區行政長官的產生辦法》規定。
第四十六條香港特別行政區行政長官任期五年，可連任一次。
第四十七條香港特別行政區行政長官必須廉潔奉公、盡忠職守。
行政長官就任時應向香港特別行政區終審法院首席法官申報財產，記錄在案。
第四十八條香港特別行政區行政長官行使下列職權：
(一) 領導香港特別行政區政府；
(二) 負責執行本法和依照本法適用於香港特別行政區的其他法律；
(三) 簽署立法會通過的法案，公布法律；簽署立法會通過的財政預算案，將財政預算、決算報中央人民政府備案；
(四) 決定政府政策和發布行政命令；
(五) 提名並報請中央人民政府任命下列主要官員：各司司長、副司長，各局局長，廉政專員，審計署署長，警務處處長，入境事務處處長，海關關長；建議中央人民政府免除上述官員職務；
(六) 依照法定程序任免各級法院法官；
(七) 依照法定程序任免公職人員；
(八) 執行中央人民政府就本法規定的有關事務發出的指令；
(九) 代表香港特別行政區政府處理中央授權的對外事務和其
他事務；
(十) 批准向立法會提出有關財政收入或支出的動議；
(十一) 根據安全和重大公共利益的考慮，決定政府官員或其他負責政府公務的人員是否向立法會或其屬下的委員會作證和提供證據；
(十二) 赦免或減輕刑事罪犯的刑罰；
(十三) 處理請願、申訴事項。
第四十九條香港特別行政區行政長官如認為立法會通過的法案不符合香港特別行政區的整體利益，可在三個月內將法案發回立法會重議，立法會如以不少於全體議員三分之二多數再次通過原案，行政長官必須在一個月內簽署公布或按本法第五十條的規定處理。
第五十條 香港特別行政區行政長官如拒絕簽署立法會再次通過的法案或立法會拒絕通過政府提出的財政預算案或其他重要法案，經協商仍不能取得一致意見，行政長官可解散立法會。行政長官在解散立法會前，須徵詢行政會議的意見。行政長官在其一任任期內只能解散立法會一次。
第五十一條 香港特別行政區立法會如拒絕批准政府提出的財政預算案，行政長官可向立法會申請臨時撥款。如果由於立法會已被解散而不能批准撥款，行政長官可在選出新的立法會前的一段時期內，按上一財政年度的開支標準，批准臨時短期撥款。
第五十二條 香港特別行政區行政長官如有下列情況之一者必須辭職： (一) 因嚴重疾病或其他原因無力履行職務； (二) 因兩次拒絕簽署立法會通過的法案而解散立法會，重選的立法會仍以全體議員三分之二多數通過所爭議的原案，而行政長官仍拒絕簽署； (三) 因立法會拒絕通過財政預算案或其他重要法案而解散立法會，重選的立法會繼續拒絕通過所爭議的原案。
第五十三條 香港特別行政區行政長官短期不能履行職務時，由政務司長、財政司長、律政司長依次臨時代理其職務。*行政長官缺位時，應在六個月內依本法第四十五條的規定產生新的行政長官。行政長官缺位期間的職務代理，依照上款規定辦理。
第五十四條 香港特別行政區行政會議是協助行政長官決策的機構。
第五十五條 香港特別行政區行政會議的成員由行政長官從行政機關的主要官員、立法會議員和社會人士中委任，其任免由行政長官決定。行政會議成員的任期應不超過委任他的行政長官的任期。香港特別行政區行政會議成員由在外國無居留權的香港特別行政區永久性居民中的中國公民擔任。行政長官認為必要時可邀請有關人士列席會議。
第五十六條 香港特別行政區行政會議由行政長官主持。行政長官在作出重要決策、向立法會提交法案、制定附屬法規和解散立法會前，須徵詢行政會議的意見，但人事任免、紀律制裁和緊急情況下採取的措施除外。行政長官如不採納行政會議多數成員的意見，應將具體理由記錄在案。
第五十七條 香港特別行政區設立廉政公署，獨立工作，對行政長官負責。
第五十八條 香港特別行政區設立審計署，獨立工作，對行政長官負責。
第二節
行政機關
第五十九條 香港特別行政區政府是香港特別行政區行政機關。
第六十條 香港特別行政區政府的首長是香港特別行政區行政長官。香港特別行政區政府設政務司、財政司、律政司和各局、處、署。
第六十一條 香港特別行政區的主要官員由在香港通常居住連續滿十五年並在外國無居留權的香港特別行政區永久性居民中的中國公民擔任。
第六十二條 香港特別行政區政府行使下列職權：
(一) 制定並執行政策；
(二) 管理各項行政事務；
(三) 辦理本法規定的中央人民政府授權的對外事務；
(四) 編制並提出財政預算、決算；
(五) 擬定並提出法案、議案、附屬法規；
(六) 委派官員列席立法會並代表政府發言。
第六十三條 香港特別行政區律政司主管刑事檢察工作，不受任何干涉。第六十四條 香港特別行政區政府必須遵守法律，對香港特別行政區立法會負責：執行立法會通過並已生效的法律；定期向立法會作施政報告；答覆立法會議員的質詢；徵稅和公共開支須經立法會批准。
第六十五條 原由行政機關設立諮詢組織的制度繼續保留。
第三節
立法機關
第六十六條 香港特別行政區立法會是香港特別行政區的立法機關。
第六十七條香港特別行政區立法會由在外國無居留權的香港特別行政區永久性居民中的中國公民組成。但非中國籍的香港特別行政區永久性居民和在外國有居留權的香港特別行政區永久性居民也可以當選為香港特別行政區立法會議員，其所佔比例不得超過立法會全體議員的百分之二十。
第六十八條香港特別行政區立法會由選舉產生。
立法會的產生辦法根據香港特別行政區的實際情況和循序漸進的原則而規定，最終達至全部議員由普選產生的目標。
立法會產生的具體辦法和法案、議案的表決程序由附件二《香港特別行政區立法會的產生辦法和表決程序》規定。
第六十九條香港特別行政區立法會除第一屆任期為兩年外，每屆任期四年。
第七十條香港特別行政區立法會如經行政長官依本法規定解散，須於三個月內依本法第六十八條的規定，重行選舉產生。
第七十一條香港特別行政區立法會主席由立法會議員互選產生。
香港特別行政區立法會主席由年滿四十周歲，在香港通常居住連續滿二十年並在外國無居留權的香港特別行政區永久性居民中的中國公民擔任。
第七十二條香港特別行政區立法會主席行使下列職權：
(一) 主持會議；
(二) 決定議程，政府提出的議案須優先列入議程；
(三) 決定開會時間；
(四) 在休會期間可召開特別會議；
(五) 應行政長官的要求召開緊急會議；
(六) 立法會議事規則所規定的其他職權。
第七十三條香港特別行政區立法會行使下列職權：
(一) 根據本法規定並依照法定程序制定、修改和廢除法
律；
(二) 根據政府的提案，審核、通過財政預算；
(三) 批准稅收和公共開支；
(四) 聽取行政長官的施政報告並進行辯論；
(五) 對政府的工作提出質詢；
(六) 就任何有關公共利益問題進行辯論；
(七) 同意終審法院法官和高等法院首席法官的任免；
(八) 接受香港居民申訴並作出處理；
(九) 如立法會全體議員的四分之一聯合動議，指控行政長官有嚴重違法或瀆職行為而不辭職，經立法會通過進行調查，立法會可委托終審法院首席法官負責組成獨立的調查委員會，並擔任主席。調查委員會負責進行調查，並向立法會提出報告。如該調查委員會認為有足夠證據構成上述指控，立法會以全體議員三分之二多數通過，可提出彈劾案，報請中央人民政府決定；
(十) 在行使上述各項職權時，如有需要，可傳召有關人士出席作證和提供證據。
第七十四條香港特別行政區立法會議員根據本法規定並依照法定程序提出法律草案，凡不涉及公共開支或政治體制或政府運作者，可由立法會議員個別或聯名提出。凡涉及政府政策者，在提出前必須得到行政長官的書面同意。
第七十五條香港特別行政區立法會舉行會議的法定人數為不少於全體議員的二分之一。立法會議事規則由立法會自行制定，但不得與本法相抵觸。
七十六條香港特別行政區立法會通過的法案，須經行政長官簽署、公布，方能生效。
第七十七條 香港特別行政區立法會議員在立法會的會議上發言，不受法律追究。
第七十八條 香港特別行政區立法會議員在出席會議時和赴會途中不受逮捕。
第七十九條 香港特別行政區立法會議員如有下列情況之一，由立法會主席宣告其喪失立法會議員的資格：
(一) 因嚴重疾病或其他情況無力履行職務；
(二) 未得到立法會主席的同意，連續三個月不出席會議而無合理解釋者；
(三) 喪失或放棄香港特別行政區永久性居民的身份；
(四) 接受政府的委任而出任公務人員；
(五) 破產或經法庭裁定償還債務而不履行；
(六) 在香港特別行政區區內或區外被判犯有刑事罪行，判處監禁一個月以上，並經立法會出席會議的議員三分之二通過解除其職務；
(七) 行為不檢或違反誓言而經立法會出席會議的議員三分之二通過譴責。
第四節
司法機關
第八十條 香港特別行政區各級法院是香港特別行政區的司法機關，行使香港特別行政區的審判權。
第八十一條 香港特別行政區設立終審法院、高等法院、區域法院、裁判署法庭和其他專門法庭。高等法院設上訴法庭和原訟法庭。原在香港實行的司法體制，除因設立香港特別行政區終審法院而產生變化外，予以保留。
第八十二條香港特別行政區的終審權屬於香港特別行政區終審法院。終審法院可根據需要邀請其他普通法適用地區的法官參加審判。
第八十三條香港特別行政區各級法院的組織和職權由法律規定。
第八十四條香港特別行政區法院依照本法第十八條所規定的適用於香港特別行政區的法律審判案件，其他普通法適用地區的司法判例可作參考。
第八十五條香港特別行政區法院獨立進行審判，不受任何干涉，司法人員履行審判職責的行為不受法律追究。
第八十六條原在香港實行的陪審制度的原則予以保留。
第八十七條香港特別行政區的刑事訴訟和民事訴訟中保留原在香港適用的原則和當事人享有的權利。任何人在被合法拘捕後，享有盡早接受司法機關公正審判的權利，未經司法機關判罪之前均假定無罪。
第八十八條香港特別行政區法院的法官，根據當地法官和法律界及其他方面知名人士組成的獨立委員會推薦，由行政長官任命。
第八十九條香港特別行政區法院的法官只有在無力履行職責或行為不檢的情況下，行政長官才可根據終審法院首席法官任命的不少於三名當地法官組成的審議庭的建議，予以免職。
香港特別行政區終審法院的首席法官只有在無力履行職責或行為不檢的情況下，行政長官才可任命不少於五名當地法官組成的審議庭進行審議，並可根據其建議，依照本法規定的程序，予以免職。
第九十條香港特別行政區終審法院和高等法院的首席法官，應由在外國無居留權的香港特別行政區永久性居民中的中國公民擔任。
除本法第八十八條和第八十九條規定的程序外，香港特別行政區終審法院的法官和高等法院首席法官的任命或免職，還須由行政長官徵得立法會同意，並報全國人民代表大會常務委員會備案。
第九十一條香港特別行政區法官以外的其他司法人員原有的任免制度繼續保持。
第九十二條香港特別行政區的法官和其他司法人員，應根據其本人的司法和專業才能選用，並可從其他普通法適用地區聘用。
第九十三條香港特別行政區成立前在香港任職的法官和其他司法人員均可留用，其年資予以保留，薪金、津貼、福利待遇和服務條件不低於原來的標準。
對退休或符合規定離職的法官和其他司法人員，包括香港特別行政區成立前已退休或離職者，不論其所屬國籍或居住地點，香港特別行政區政府按不低於原來的標準，向他們或其家屬支付應得的退休金、酬金、津貼和福利費。
第九十四條香港特別行政區政府可參照原在香港實行的辦法，作出有關當地和外來的律師在香港特別行政區工作和執業的規定。
第九十五條香港特別行政區可與全國其他地區的司法機關通過協商依法進行司法方面的聯繫和相互提供協助。
第九十六條 在中央人民政府協助或授權下，香港特別行政區政府可與外國就司法互助關係作出適當安排。
第五節
區域組織
第九十七條 香港特別行政區可設立非政權性的區域組織，接受香港特別行政區政府就有關地區管理和其他事務的諮詢，或負責提供文化、康樂、環境衞生等服務。
第九十八條 區域組織的職權和組成方法由法律規定。
第六節
公務人員
第九十九條 在香港特別行政區政府各部門任職的公務人員必須是香港特別行政區永久性居民。本法第一百零一條對外籍公務人員另有規定者或法律規定某一職級以下者不在此限。公務人員必須盡忠職守，對香港特別行政區政府負責。
第一百條 香港特別行政區成立前在香港政府各部門，包括警察部門任職的公務人員均可留用，其年資予以保留，薪金、津貼、福利待遇和服務條件不低於原來的標準。
第一百零一條 香港特別行政區政府可任用原香港公務人員中的或持有香港特別行政區永久性居民身份證的英籍和其他外籍人士擔任政府部門的各級公務人員，但下列各職級的官員必須由在外國無居留權的香港特別行政區永久性居民中的中國公民擔任：各司司長、副司長，各局局長，廉政專員，審計署署長，警務處處長，入境事務處處長，海關關長。
香港特別行政區政府還可聘請英籍和其他外籍人士擔任政府部門的顧問，必要時並可從香港特別行政區以外聘請合格人員擔任政府部門的專門和技術職務。上述外籍人士只能以個人身份受聘，對香港特別行政區政府負責。
第一百零二條對退休或符合規定離職的公務人員，包括香港特別行政區成立前退休或符合規定離職的公務人員，不論其所屬國籍或居住地點，香港特別行政區政府按不低於原來的標準向他們或其家屬支付應得的退休金、酬金、津貼和福利費。
第一百零三條公務人員應根據其本人的資格、經驗和才能予以任用和提升，香港原有關於公務人員的招聘、僱用、考核、紀律、培訓和管理的制度，包括負責公務人員的任用、薪金、服務條件的專門機構，除有關給予外籍人員特權待遇的規定外，予以保留。
第一百零四條香港特別行政區行政長官、主要官員、行政會議成員、立法會議員、各級法院法官和其他司法人員在就職時必須依法宣誓擁護中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法，效忠中華人民共和國香港特別行政區。
第五章
經濟
第一節
財政、金融、貿易和工商業
第一百零五條香港特別行政區依法保護私人和法人財產的取得、使用、處置和繼承的權利，以及依法徵用私人和法人財產時被徵用財產的所有人得到補償的權利。
徵用財產的補償應相當於該財產當時的實際價值，可自由兌換，不得無故遲延支付。
企業所有權和外來投資均受法律保護。
第一百零六條香港特別行政區保持財政獨立。
香港特別行政區的財政收入全部用於自身需要，不上繳中央人民政府。
中央人民政府不在香港特別行政區徵稅。
第一百零七條香港特別行政區的財政預算以量入為出為原則，力求收支平衡，避免赤字，並與本地生產總值的增長率相適應。
第一百零八條香港特別行政區實行獨立的稅收制度。
香港特別行政區參照原在香港實行的低稅政策，自行立法規定稅種、稅率、稅收寬免和其他稅務事項。
第一百零九條香港特別行政區政府提供適當的經濟和法律環境，以保持香港的國際金融中心地位。
第一百一十條香港特別行政區的貨幣金融制度由法律規定。香港特別行政區政府自行制定貨幣金融政策，保障金融企業和金融市場的經營自由，並依法進行管理和監督。
第一百一十一條港元為香港特別行政區法定貨幣，繼續流通。
港幣的發行權屬於香港特別行政區政府。港幣的發行須有百分之百的準備金。港幣的發行制度和準備金制度，由法律規定。
香港特別行政區政府，在確知港幣的發行基礎健全和發行安排符合保持港幣穩定的目的的條件下，可授權指定銀行根據法定權限發行或繼續發行港幣。
第一百一十二條香港特別行政區不實行外匯管制政策。港幣自由兌換。繼續開放外匯、黃金、證券、期貨等市場。
香港特別行政區政府保障資金的流動和進出自由。
第一百一十三條香港特別行政區的外匯基金，由香港特別行政區政府管理和支配，主要用於調節港元匯價。
第一百一十四條香港特別行政區保持自由港地位，除法律另有規定外，不徵收關稅。
第一百一十五條香港特別行政區實行自由貿易政策，保障貨物、無形財產和資本的流動自由。
第一百一十六條香港特別行政區為單獨的關稅地區。
香港特別行政區可以“中國香港”的名義參加《關稅和貿易總協定》、關於國際紡織品貿易安排等有關國際組織和國際貿易協定，包括優惠貿易安排。
香港特別行政區所取得的和以前取得仍繼續有效的出口配額、關稅優惠和達成的其他類似安排，全由香港特別行政區享有。
第一百一十七條香港特別行政區根據當時的產地規則，可對產品簽發產地來源證。
第一百一十八條 香港特別行政區政府提供經濟和法律環境，鼓勵各項投資、技術進步並開發新興產業。
第一百一十九條 香港特別行政區政府制定適當政策，促進和協調製造業、商業、旅遊業、房地產業、運輸業、公用事業、服務性行業、漁農業等各行業的發展，並注意環境保護。
第二節
土地契約
第一百二十條 香港特別行政區成立以前已批出、決定、或續期的超越一九九七年六月三十日年期的所有土地契約和與土地契約有關的一切權利，均按香港特別行政區的法律繼續予以承認和保護。
第一百二十一條 從一九八五年五月二十七日至一九九七年六月三十日期間批出的，或原沒有續期權利而獲得續期的，超出一九九七年六月三十日年期而不超過二○四七年六月三十日的一切土地契約，承租人從一九九七年七月一日起不補地價，但需每年繳納相當於當日該土地應課差餉租值百分之三的租金。此後，隨應課差餉租值的改變而調整租金。
第一百二十二條 原舊批約地段、鄉村屋地、丁屋地和類似的農村土地，如該土地在一九八四年六月三十日的承租人，或在該日以後批出的丁屋地承租人，其父系為一八九八年在香港的原有鄉村居民，只要該土地的承租人仍為該人或其合法父系繼承人，原定租金維持不變。
第一百二十三條 香港特別行政區成立以後滿期而沒有續期權利的土地契約，由香港特別行政區自行制定法律和政策處理。
第三節
航 運
第一百二十四條 香港特別行政區保持原在香港實行的航運經營和管理體制，包括有關海員的管理制度。香港特別行政區政府自行規定在航運方面的具體職能和責任。
第一百二十五條 香港特別行政區經中央人民政府授權繼續進行船舶登記，並根據香港特別行政區的法律以“中國香港”的名義頒發有關證件。
第一百二十六條 除外國軍用船隻進入香港特別行政區須經中央人民政府特別許可外，其他船舶可根據香港特別行政區法律進出其港口。
第一百二十七條 香港特別行政區的私營航運及與航運有關的企業和私營集裝箱碼頭，可繼續自由經營。
第四節
民用航空
第一百二十八條 香港特別行政區政府應提供條件和採取措施，以保持香港的國際和區域航空中心的地位。
第一百二十九條 香港特別行政區繼續實行原在香港實行的民用航空管理制度，並按中央人民政府關於飛機國籍標誌和登記標誌的規定，設置自己的飛機登記冊。外國國家航空器進入香港特別行政區須經中央人民政府特別許可。
第一百三十條 香港特別行政區自行負責民用航空的日常業務和技術管理，包括機場管理，在香港特別行政區飛行情報區內提供空中交通服務，和履行國際民用航空組織的區域性航行規劃程序所規定的其他職責。
第一百三十一條中央人民政府經同香港特別行政區政府磋商作出安排，為在香港特別行政區註冊並以香港為主要營業地的航空公司和中華人民共和國的其他航空公司，提供香港特別行政區和中華人民共和國其他地區之間的往返航班。
第一百三十二條凡涉及中華人民共和國其他地區同其他國家和地區的往返並經停香港特別行政區的航班，和涉及香港特別行政區同其他國家和地區的往返並經停中華人民共和國其他地區航班的民用航空運輸協定，由中央人民政府簽訂。
中央人民政府在簽訂本條第一款所指民用航空運輸協定時，應考慮香港特別行政區的特殊情況和經濟利益，並同香港特別行政區政府磋商。
中央人民政府在同外國政府商談有關本條第一款所指航班的安排時，香港特別行政區政府的代表可作為中華人民共和國政府代表團的成員參加。
第一百三十三條香港特別行政區政府經中央人民政府具體授權可：
(一) 續簽或修改原有的民用航空運輸協定和協議；
(二) 談判簽訂新的民用航空運輸協定，為在香港特別行政
區註冊並以香港為主要營業地的航空公司提供航線，以及過境和技術停降權利；
(三) 同沒有簽訂民用航空運輸協定的外國或地區談判簽訂臨時協議。不涉及往返、經停中國內地而只往返、經停香港的定期航班，均由本條所指的民用航空運輸協定或臨時協議予以規定。
第一百三十四條中央人民政府授權香港特別行政區政府：
(一) 同其他當局商談並簽訂有關執行本法第一百三十三條
所指民用航空運輸協定和臨時協議的各項安排；
(二) 對在香港特別行政區註冊並以香港為主要營業地的航
空公司簽發執照；
(三) 依照本法第一百三十三條所指民用航空運輸協定和臨時協議指定航空公司；
(四) 對外國航空公司除往返、經停中國內地的航班以外的其他航班簽發許可證。
第一百三十五條香港特別行政區成立前在香港註冊並以香港為主要營業地的航空公司和與民用航空有關的行業，可繼續經營。
第六章
教育、科學、文化、體育、宗教、勞工和社會服務
第一百三十六條香港特別行政區政府在原有教育制度的基礎上，自行制定有關教育的發展和改進的政策，包括教育體制和管理、教學語言、經費分配、考試制度、學位制度和承認學歷等政策。
社會團體和私人可依法在香港特別行政區興辦各種教育事業。
第一百三十七條各類院校均可保留其自主性並享有學術自由，可繼續從香港特別行政區以外招聘教職員和選用教材。宗教組織所辦的學校可繼續提供宗教教育，包括開設宗教課程。
學生享有選擇院校和在香港特別行政區以外求學的自由。
第一百三十八條香港特別行政區政府自行制定發展中西醫藥和促進醫療衞生服務的政策。社會團體和私人可依法提供各種醫療衞生服務。
第一百三十九條香港特別行政區政府自行制定科學技術政策，以法律保護科學技術的研究成果、專利和發明創造。
香港特別行政區政府自行確定適用於香港的各類科學、技術標準和規格。
第一百四十條香港特別行政區政府自行制定文化政策，以法律保護作者在文學藝術創作中所獲得的成果和合法權益。
第一百四十一條香港特別行政區政府不限制宗教信仰自由，不干預宗教組織的內部事務，不限制與香港特別行政區法律沒有抵觸的宗教活動。宗教組織依法享有財產的取得、使用、處置、繼承以及接受資助的權利。財產方面的原有權益仍予保持和保護。
宗教組織可按原有辦法繼續興辦宗教院校、其他學校、醫院和福利機構以及提供其他社會服務。
香港特別行政區的宗教組織和教徒可與其他地方的宗教組織和教徒保持和發展關係。
第一百四十二條香港特別行政區政府在保留原有的專業制度的基礎上，自行制定有關評審各種專業的執業資格的辦法。
在香港特別行政區成立前已取得專業和執業資格者，可依據有關規定和專業守則保留原有的資格。
香港特別行政區政府繼續承認在特別行政區成立前已承認的專業和專業團體，所承認的專業團體可自行審核和頒授專業資格。
香港特別行政區政府可根據社會發展需要並諮詢有關方面的意見，承認新的專業和專業團體。
第一百四十三條香港特別行政區政府自行制定體育政策。民間體育團體可依法繼續存在和發展。
第一百四十四條香港特別行政區政府保持原在香港實行的對教育、醫療衞生、文化、藝術、康樂、體育、社會福利、社會工作等方面的民間團體機構的資助政策。原在香港各資助機構任職的人員均可根據原有制度繼續受聘。
第一百四十五條香港特別行政區政府在原有社會福利制度的基礎上，根據經濟條件和社會需要，自行制定其發展、改進的政策。
第一百四十六條香港特別行政區從事社會服務的志願團體在不抵觸法律的情況下可自行決定其服務方式。
第一百四十七條香港特別行政區自行制定有關勞工的法律和政策。
第一百四十八條香港特別行政區的教育、科學、技術、文化、藝術、體育、專業、醫療衞生、勞工、社會福利、社會工作等方面的民間團體和宗教組織同內地相應的團體和組織的關係，應以互不隸屬、互不干涉和互相尊重的原則為基礎。
第一百四十九條香港特別行政區的教育、科學、技術、文化、藝術、體育、專業、醫療衞生、勞工、社會福利、社會工作等方面的民間團體和宗教組織可同世界各國、各地區及國際的有關團體和組織保持和發展關係，各該團體和組織可根據需要冠用“中國香港”的名義，參與有關活動。
第七章對外事務
第一百五十條香港特別行政區政府的代表，可作為中華人民共和國政府代表團的成員，參加由中央人民政府進行的同香港特別行政區直接有關的外交談判。
第一百五十一條香港特別行政區可在經濟、貿易、金融、航運、通訊、旅遊、文化、體育等領域以“中國香港”的名義，單獨地同世界各國、各地區及有關國際組織保持和發展關係，簽訂和履行有關協議。
第一百五十二條對以國家為單位參加的、同香港特別行政區有關的、適當領域的國際組織和國際會議，香港特別行政區政府可派遣代表作為中華人民共和國代表團的成員或以中央人民政府和上述有關國際組織或國際會議允許的身份參加，並以“中國香港”的名義發表意見。
香港特別行政區可以“中國香港”的名義參加不以國家為單位參加的國際組織和國際會議。
對中華人民共和國已參加而香港也以某種形式參加了的國際組織，中央人民政府將採取必要措施使香港特別行政區以適當形式繼續保持在這些組織中的地位。
對中華人民共和國尚未參加而香港已以某種形式參加的國際組織，中央人民政府將根據需要使香港特別行政區以適當形式繼續參加這些組織。
第一百五十三條中華人民共和國締結的國際協議，中央人民政府可根據香港特別行政區的情況和需要，在徵詢香港特別行政區政府的意見後，決定是否適用於香港特別行政區。
中華人民共和國尚未參加但已適用於香港的國際協議仍可繼續適用，中央人民政府根據需要授權或協助香港特別行政區政府作出適當安排，使其他有關國際協議適用於香港特別行政區。
第一百五十四條中央人民政府授權香港特別行政區政府依照法律給持有香港特別行政區永久性居民身份證的中國公民簽發中華人民共和國香港特別行政區護照，給在香港特別行政區的其他合法居留者簽發中華人民共和國香港特別行政區的其他旅行證件。上述護照和證件，前往各國和各地區有效，並載明持有人有返回香港特別行政區的權利。
對世界各國或各地區的人入境、逗留和離境，香港特別行政區政府可實行出入境管制。
第一百五十五條中央人民政府協助或授權香港特別行政區政府與各國或各地區締結互免簽證協議。
第一百五十六條香港特別行政區可根據需要在外國設立官方或半官方的經濟和貿易機構，報中央人民政府備案。
第一百五十七條外國在香港特別行政區設立領事機構或其他官方、半官方機構，須經中央人民政府批准。
已同中華人民共和國建立正式外交關係的國家在香港設立的領事機構和其他官方機構，可予保留。
尚未同中華人民共和國建立正式外交關係的國家在香港設立的領事機構和其他官方機構，可根據情況允許保留或改為半官方機構。
尚未為中華人民共和國承認的國家，只能在香港特別行政區設立民間機構。
第八章
本法的解釋和修改
第一百五十八條本法的解釋權屬於全國人民代表大會常務委員會。
全國人民代表大會常務委員會授權香港特別行政區法院在審理案件時對本法關於香港特別行政區自治範圍內的條款自行解釋。
香港特別行政區法院在審理案件時對本法的其他條款也可解釋。但如香港特別行政區法院在審理案件時需要對本法關於中央人民政府管理的事務或中央和香港特別行政區關係的條款進行解釋，而該條款的解釋又影響到案件的判決，在對該案件作出不可上訴的終局判決前，應由香港特別行政區終審法院請全國人民代表大會常務委員會對有關條款作出解釋。如全國人民代表大會常務委員會作出解釋，香港特別行政區法院在引用該條款時，應以全國人民代表大會常務委員會的解釋為準。但在此以前作出的判決不受影響。
全國人民代表大會常務委員會在對本法進行解釋前，徵詢其所屬的香港特別行政區基本法委員會的意見。
第一百五十九條本法的修改權屬於全國人民代表大會。
本法的修改提案權屬於全國人民代表大會常務委員會、國務院和香港特別行政區。香港特別行政區的修改議案，須經香港特別行政區的全國人民代表大會代表三分之二多數、香港特別行政區立法會全體議員三分之二多數和香港特別行政區行政長官同意後，交由香港特別行政區出席全國人民代表大會的代表團向全國人民代表大會提出。
本法的修改議案在列入全國人民代表大會的議程前，先由香港特別行政區基本法委員會研究並提出意見。
本法的任何修改，均不得同中華人民共和國對香港既定的基本方針政策相抵觸。
第九章附則
第一百六十條香港特別行政區成立時，香港原有法律除由全國人民代表大會常務委員會宣布為同本法抵觸者外，採用為香港特別行政區法律，如以後發現有的法律與本法抵觸，可依照本法規定的程序修改或停止生效。
在香港原有法律下有效的文件、證件、契約和權利義務，在不抵觸本法的前提下繼續有效，受香港特別行政區的承認和保護。
附件一
香港特別行政區行政長官的產生辦法
一、行政長官由一個具有廣泛代表性的選舉委員會根據本法選出，由中央人民政府任命。
二、選舉委員會委員共800人，由下列各界人士組成：
工商、金融界 200人
專業界 200人
勞工、社會服務、宗教等界 200人
立法會議員、區域性組織代表、 香港地區全國人大代表、 香港地區全國政協委員的代表 200人
選舉委員會每屆任期五年。
三、各個界別的劃分，以及每個界別中何種組織可以產生選舉委員的名額，由香港特別行政區根據民主、開放的原則制定選舉法加以規定。各界別法定團體根據選舉法規定的分配名額和選舉辦法自行選出選舉委員會委員。選舉委員以個人身份投票。
四、不少於一百名的選舉委員可聯合提名行政長官候選人。每名委員只可提出一名候選人。
五、選舉委員會根據提名的名單，經一人一票無記名投票選出行政長官候任人。具體選舉辦法由選舉法規定。
六、第一任行政長官按照《全國人民代表大會關於香港特別行政區第一屆政府和立法會產生辦法的決定》產生。
七、二○○七年以後各任行政長官的產生辦法如需修改，須經立法會全體議員三分之二多數通過，行政長官同意，並報全國人民代表大會常務委員會批准。
文件一
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於批准《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法附件一香港特別行政區行政長官的產生辦法修正案》的決定
(2010年8月28日第十一屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第十六次會議通過)
第十一屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第十六次會議決定：
根據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》附件一、《全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉附件一第七條和附件二第三條的解釋》和《全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於香港特別行政區2012年行政長官和立法會產生辦法及有關普選問題的決定》，批准香港特別行政區提出的《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法附件一香港特別行政區行政長官的產生辦法修正案》。
《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法附件一香港特別行政區行政長官的產生辦法修正案》自批准之日起生效。
文件二
中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法附件一
香港特別行政區行政長官的產生辦法修正案(2010年8月28日第十一屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第十六次會議批准)
一、二○一二年選舉第四任行政長官人選的選舉委員會共1200人，由下列各界人士組成：
工商、金融界 300人
專業界 300人
勞工、社會服務、宗教等界 300人
立法會議員、區議會議員的代表、 鄉議局的代表、香港特別行政區全 國人大代表、香港特別行政區全國 政協委員的代表 300人
選舉委員會每屆任期五年。
二、不少於一百五十名的選舉委員可聯合提名行政長官候選人。每名委員只可提出一名候選人。
附件二 香港特別行政區立法會的產生辦法和表決程序
一、立法會的產生辦法
(一) 香港特別行政區立法會議員每屆60人，第一屆立法會按照《全國人民代表大會關於香港特別行政區第一屆政府和立法會產生辦法的決定》產生。第二屆、第三屆立法會的組成如下：
第二屆
功能團體選舉的議員 30人
選舉委員會選舉的議員 6人
分區直接選舉的議員 24人
第三屆
功能團體選舉的議員 30人
分區直接選舉的議員 30人
(二) 除第一屆立法會外，上述選舉委員會即本法附件一規定的選舉委員會。上述分區直接選舉的選區劃分、投票辦法，各個功能界別和法定團體的劃分、議員名額的分配、選舉辦法及選舉委員會選舉議員的辦法，由香港特別行政區政府提出並經立法會通過的選舉法加以規定。
二、立法會對法案、議案的表決程序除本法另有規定外，香港特別行政區立法會對法案和議案的表決採取下列程序:政府提出的法案，如獲得出席會議的全體議員的過半數票，即為通過。立法會議員個人提出的議案、法案和對政府法案的修正案均須分別經功能團體選舉產生的議員和分區直接選舉、選舉委員會選舉產生的議員兩部分出席會議議員各過半數通過。
三、二○○七年以後立法會的產生辦法和表決程序
二○○七年以後香港特別行政區立法會的產生辦法和法案、議案的表決程序，如需對本附件的規定進行修改，須經立法會全體議員三分之二多數通過，行政長官同意，並報全國人民代表大會常務委員會備案。
文件三
全國人民代表大會常務委員會公告﹝十一屆﹞第十五號
根據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》附件二、《全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉附件一第七條和附件二第三條的解釋》和《全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於香港特別行政區2012年行政長官和立法會產生辦法及有關普選問題的決定》，全國人民代表大會常務委員會對《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法附件二香港特別行政區立法會的產生辦法和表決程序修正案》予以備案，現予公布。
《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法附件二香港特別行政區立法會的產生辦法和表決程序修正案》自公布之日起生效。
特此公告。
全國人民代表大會常務委員會
2010年8月28日
文件四
中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法附件二
香港特別行政區立法會的產生辦法和表決程序修正案
(2010年8月28日第十一屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第十六次會議予以備案)
二○一二年第五屆立法會共70名議員，其組成如下：
功能團體選舉的議員 35人
分區直接選舉的議員 35人
附件三 在香港特別行政區實施的全國性法律
下列全國性法律，自一九九七年七月一日起由香港特別行政區在當地公布或立法實施。
一、 《關於中華人民共和國國都、紀年、國歌、國旗的決議》
二、《關於中華人民共和國國慶日的決議》
三、 《中央人民政府公布中華人民共和國國徽的命令》附：國徽圖案、說明、使用辦法
四、《中華人民共和國政府關於領海的聲明》
五、《中華人民共和國國籍法》
六、《中華人民共和國外交特權與豁免條例》
文件五
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》附件三所列全國性法律增減的決定
(1997年7月1日第八屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第二十六次會議通過)
一、在《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》附件三中增加下列全國性法律：
1. 《中華人民共和國國旗法》；
2. 《中華人民共和國領事特權與豁免條例》；
3. 《中華人民共和國國徽法》；
4. 《中華人民共和國領海及毗連區法》；
5. 《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區駐軍法》。
以上全國性法律，自1997年7月1日起由香港特別行政區公布或立法實施。
二、在《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》附件三中刪去下列全國性法律：
《中央人民政府公布中華人民共和國國徽的命令》附：國徽圖案、說明、使用辦法。
文件六
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於增加《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》附件三所列全國性法律的決定
(1998年11月4日通過)
第九屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第五次會議決定：在《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》附件三中增加全國性法律《中華人民共和國專屬經濟區和大陸架法》。
文件七
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於增加《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》附件三所列全國性法律的決定
(2005年10月27日通過)
第十屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第十八次會議決定：在《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》附件三中增加全國性法律《中華人民共和國外國中央銀行財產司法強制措施豁免法》。
文件八
關於《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法(草案)》及其有關文件的說明
(1990年3月28日在第七屆全國人民代表大會第三次會議上)
中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法起草委員會主任委員姬鵬飛
各位代表：
中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法起草委員會經過四年零八個月的工作，業已完成起草基本法的任務。全國人大常委會已將《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法(草案)》包括三個附件和香港特別行政區區旗、區徽圖案(草案)，連同為全國人大代擬的《中華人民共和國全國人民代表大會關於香港特別行政區第一屆政府和立法會產生辦法的決定(草案)》和《香港特別行政區基本法起草委員會關於設立全國人民代表大會常務委員會香港特別行政區基本法委員會的建議》等文件提請全國人民代表大會審議。現在，我受香港特別行政區基本法起草委員會的委托就這部法律文件作如下說明。
根據《第六屆全國人民代表大會第三次會議關於成立中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法起草委員會的決定》，第六屆全國人大常委會第十一次會議任命了起草委員。1985年7月1日，起草委員會正式成立並開始工作。在制定了工作規劃，確定了基本法結構之後，起草委員會設立了五個由內地和香港委員共同組成的專題小組，即中央和香港特別行政區的關係專題小組，居民的基本權利和義務專題小組，政治體制專題小組，經濟專題小組，教育、科學、技術、文化、體育和宗教專題小組，負責具體起草工作。在各專題小組完成條文的初稿之後，成立了總體工作小組，從總體上對條文進行調整和修改。1988年4月，起草委員會第七次全體會議公佈了《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法(草案)》徵求意見稿，用五個月的時間在香港和內地各省、自治區、直轄市及有關部門廣泛徵求了意見，並在這個基礎上對草案徵求意見稿作了一百多處修改。1989年1月，起草委員會第八次全體會議採取無記名投票方式，對準備提交全國人大常委會的基本法(草案)以及附件和有關文件逐條逐件地進行了表決，除草案第十九條外，所有條文、附件和有關文件均以全體委員三分之二多數贊成獲得通過。同年2月，第七屆全國人大常委會第六次會議決定公佈基本法(草案)包括附件及其有關文件，在香港和內地各省、自治區、直轄市以及中央各部門，各民主黨派、人民團體和有關專家，人民解放軍各總部中廣泛徵求意見。經過八個月的徵詢期，起草委員會各專題小組在研究了各方面的意見後，共提出了專題小組的修改提案二十四個，其中包括對第十九條的修正案。在今年2月舉行的起草委員會第九次全體會議上，對這些提案採取無記名投票的方式逐案進行了表決，均以全體委員三分之二以上多數贊成獲得通過，並以此取代了原條文。至此，基本法(草案)包括附件及其有關文件的起草工作全部完成。
香港特別行政區區旗、區徽圖案的徵集、評選工作，由起草委員五人以及內地和香港的專家六人共同組成的香港特別行政區區旗區徽圖案評選委員會負責。在評委會對七千一百四十七件應徵稿進行初選和複選後，起草委員會對入選的圖案進行了審議、評選，由於未能選出上報全國人大審議的圖案，又由評委會在應徵圖案的基礎上，集體修改出三套區旗、區徽圖案，經起草委員會第九次全體會議以無記名投票的方式表決，從中選出了提交全國人民代表大會審議的區旗區徽圖案(草案)，同時通過了基本法(草案)中關於區旗、區徽的第十條第二、三款。
四年多來，起草委員會先後舉行全體會議九次，主任委員會議二十五次，主任委員擴大會議兩次，總體工作小組會議三次，專題小組會議七十三次，香港特別行政區區旗區徽評選委員會也先後召開會議五次。
回顧四年多來的工作，應該說這部法律文件的起草是很民主，很開放的。在起草過程中，委員們和衷共濟，群策群力，每項條文的起草都是在經過了調查研究和充分討論後完成的，做到了既服從大多數人的意見，又尊重少數人的意見。每當召開各種會議，隨時向採訪會議的記者吹風，會後及時向香港特別行政區基本法諮詢委員會通報情況。基本法起草工作是在全國，特別是在香港廣大同胞和各方面人士的密切關注和廣泛參與下完成的。尤其需要指出的是，由香港各界人士組成的香港特別行政區基本法諮詢委員會對基本法的起草工作一直給予了積極有效的協助，他們在香港收集了大量有關基本法的意見和建議並及時向起草委員會作了反映。諮詢委員會的工作得到了起草委員會們的好評。
各位代表，提請本次大會審議的基本法(草案)，包括序言，第一章總則，第二章中央和香港特別行政區的關係，第三章居民的基本權利和義務，第四章政治體制，第五章經濟，第六章教育、科學、文化、體育、宗教、勞工和社會服務，第七章對外事務，第八章本法的解釋和修改，第九章附則，共有條文一百六十條。還有三個附件，即：附件一《香港特別行政區行政長官的產生辦法》，附件二《香港特別行政區立法會的產生辦法和表決程序》，附件三《在香港特別行政區實施的全國性法律》。
一、關於起草基本法的指導方針
“一個國家，兩種制度”是我國政府為實現祖國統一提出的基本國策。按照這一基本國策，我國政府制定了對香港的一系列方針、政策，主要是國家在對香港恢復行使主權時，設立特別行政區，直豁於中央人民政府，除國防、外交由中央負責管理外，香港特別行政區實行高度自治；在香港特別行政區不實行社會主義制度和政策，原有的資本主義社會、經濟制度不變，生活方式不變，法律基本不變；保持香港的國際金融中心和自由港的地位；並照顧英國和其他國家在香港的經濟利益。我國政府將上述方針政策載入了和英國政府共同簽署的關於香港問題的聯合聲明，並宣佈國家對香港的各項方針政策五十年不變，以基本法加以規定。“一國兩制”的構想及在此基礎上產生的對香港的各項方針政策，是實現國家對香港恢復行使主權，同時保持香港的穩定繁榮的根本保證，是符合我國人民，特別是香港同胞的根本利益的。
我國憲法第三十一條規定，“國家在必要時得設立特別行政區。在特別行政區內實行的制度按照具體情況由全國人民代表大會以法律規定。”我國是社會主義國家，社會主義制度是我國的根本制度，但為了實現祖國的統一，在我國的個別地區可以實行另外一種社會制度，即資本主義制度。現在提交的基本法(草案)就是以憲法為依據，以“一國兩制”為指導方針，把國家對香港的各項方針、政策用基本法律的形式規定下來。
二、關於中央和香港特別行政區的關係
中央和香港特別行政區的關係，是基本法的主要內容之一，不僅在第二章，而且在第一、第七、第八章以及其他各章中均有涉及。
草案第十二條規定：“香港特別行政區是中華人民共和國的一個享有高度自治權的地方行政區域，直轄於中央人民政府。”這條規定明確了香港特別行政區的法律地位，是草案規定特別行政區的職權範圍及其同中央的關係的基礎。香港特別行政區是中華人民共和國不可分離的部分，是中央人民政府直轄的地方行政區域，同時又是一個實行與內地不同的制度和政策、享有高度自治權的特別行政區。因此，在基本法中既要規定體現國家統一和主權的內容，又要照顧到香港的特殊情況，賦予特別行政區高度的自治權。
草案所規定的由全國人大常委會或中央人民政府行使的職權或負責管理的事務，都是體現國家主權所必不可少的。如特別行政區的國防和外交事務由中央人民政府負責管理，行政長官和主要官員由中央人民政府任命：少數有關國防、外交和不屬於香港特別行政區自治範圍的全國性法律要在特別行政區公佈或成立實施，全國人大常委會決定宣佈戰爭狀態或因特別行政區發生其政府不能控制的危及國家統一或安全的動亂而決定特別行政區進入緊急狀態，中央人民政府可發佈命令將有關全國性法律在香港實施。除此以外，草案還規定，特別行政區應自行立法禁止任何叛國、分裂國家、煽動叛亂、顛覆中央人民政府及竊取國家機密的行為，禁止外國的政治性組織或團體在特別行政區進行政治活動，禁止特別行政區的政治性組織或團體與外國的政治性組織或團體建立聯繫。這對於維護國家的主權、統一和領土完整，維護香港的長期穩定和繁榮也是非常必要的。
草案所規定的特別行政區的高度自治權包括行政管理權、立法權、獨立的司法權和終審權，此外，經中央人民政府授權還可以自行處理一些有關的對外事務。應該說，特別行政區所享有的自治權是十分廣泛的。
在行政管理權方面，草案在規定特別行政區依照基本法的規定自行處理香港的行政事務的同時，還具體規定了特別行政區在諸如財政經濟、工商貿易、交通運輸、土地和自然資源的開發和管理、教育科技、文化體育、社會治安、出入境管制等各個方面的自治權。如規定特別行政區保持財政獨立，財政收入不上繳中央，中央不在特別行政區徵稅；自行制定貨幣金融政策，港幣為特別行政區的法定貨幣，其發行權屬於特別行政區政府。又如，規定特別行政區政府的代表可作為中國政府代表團的成員，參加同香港有關的外交談判；特別行政區可在經濟、貿易、金融、航運、通訊、旅遊、文化、體育等領域以“中國香港”的名義，單獨地同世界各國、各地區及有關國際組織保持和發展關係，簽定和履行有關協議。
在立法權方面，草案規定特別行政區立法機關制定的法律經行政長官簽署、公佈即生效，這些法律雖然須報全國人大常委會備案，但備案並不影響生效。同時草案還規定，全國人大常委會只是在認為特別行政區立法機關制定的任何法律不符合基本法關於中央管理的事務及中央和香港特別行政區的關係的條款時，才將有關法律發回，但不作修改。法律一經全國人大常委會發回，立即失效。這樣規定，符合“一國兩制”的原則，既符合憲法的規定又充份考慮了香港實行高度自治的需要。
根據憲法規定，解釋法律是全國人大常委會的職權。為了照顧香港的特殊情況，草案在規定基本法的解釋權屬於全國人大常委會的同時，授權香港特別行政區法院在審理案件時對本法關於特別行政區自治範圍內的條款可自行解釋。這樣規定既保證了全國人大常委會的權力，又有利於香港特別行政區行使其自治權。草案還規定，香港特別行政區法院在審理案件時對本法的其他條款也可解釋，只是在特別行政區法院對本法關於中央人民政府管理的事務或中央和特別行政區的關係的條款進行解釋，而該條款的解釋又影響到終局判決時，才應由香港特別行政區終審法院提請全國人大常委會作出解釋。香港特別行政區法院在引用該條款時，應以全國人大常委會的解釋為準。這樣規定可使香港特別行政區法院在審理案件時對涉及中央管理的事務或中央和特別行政區的關係的條款的理解有所依循，不致由於不準確的理解而作出錯誤的判決。
草案規定特別行政區法院享有獨立的司法權和終審權，作為一個地方行政區域的法院而享有終審權，這無疑是一種很特殊的例外，考慮到香港實行與內地不同的社會制度和法律體系，這樣規定是必需的。香港現行的司法制度和原則一向對有關國防、外交等國家行為無管轄權，草案保留了這一原則，而且規定特別行政區法院在審理案件中遇到涉及國防、外交等國家行為的事實問題，應取得行政長官就此發出的證明文件，上述文件對法院有約束力。行政長官在發出證明文件前，須取得中央人民政府的證明書。這就妥善解決了有關國家行為的司法管轄問題，也保證了特別行政區法院正常行使其職能。
此外，為使全國人大常委會在就特別行政區立法機關制定的任何法律是否符合基本法關於中央管理的事務及中央和香港特別行政區的關係的條款、對附件三所列適用於香港的全國性法律的增減以及基本法的解釋或修改等問題作出決定時，能充分反映香港各界人士的意見，起草委員們建議，在基本法實施時，全國人大常委會應設立一個工作機構，這個機構由內地和香港人士共同組成，就上述問題向全國人大常委會提供意見。為此起草了《香港特別行政區基本法起草委員會關於設立全國人民代表大會常務委員會香港特別行政區基本法委員會的建議》。
三、關於居民的基本權利和義務
草案第三章規定香港特別行政區和在香港特別行政區境內的其他人享有的廣泛權利和自由，包括政治、人身、經濟、文化、社會和家庭等各個方面。草案關於香港居民的權利和自由的規定，有以下兩個基本特點。
(一) 草案對香港居民的權利和自由賦予了多層次的保障。針對香港居民組成的特點，不僅規定了香港居民所一般享有的權利和自由，也規定了其中的永久性居民和中國公民的權利，還專門規定了香港居民以外的其他人依法享有香港居民的權利和自由。此外，在明文規定香港居民的各項基本權利和自由的同時，還規定香港居民享有特別行政區法律保障的其他權利和自由。根據《公民權利和政治權利國際公約》、《經濟、社會與文化權利的國際公約》和國際勞工公約在香港適用的情況，草案規定這些公約適用於香港的有關規定繼續有效，通過特別行政區的法律予以實施。草案除設專章規定香港居民的權利和自由外，還有其他有關章節中作了一些規定。通過這幾個層次的規定，廣泛和全面地保障了香港居民的權利和自由。
(二) 草案所規定的香港居民的權利、自由和義務，是按照“一國兩制”的原則，從香港的實際情況出發的，如保護私有財產權、遷徙和出入境的自由、自願生育的權利和對保護私人和法人財產的具體規定等等。草案還明確規定，有關保障香港居民的基本權利和自由的制度，均以基本法為依據。
四、關於政治體制
第四章政治體制主要規定了香港特別行政區的行政、立法以及司法機關的組成、職權和相互關係，規定了香港特別行政區行政長官、主要官員、行政會議和立法會成員、各級法院法官和其他司法人員以及公務人員的資格、職權及有關政策，還規定了香港特別行政區可設立非政權性的區域組織等等。
香港特別行政區的政治體制，要符合“一國兩制”的原則，要從香港的法律地位和實際情況出發，以保障香港的穩定繁榮為目的。為此，必須兼顧社會各階層的利益，有利於資本主義經濟的發展；既保持原政治體制中行之有效的部分，又要循序漸進地逐步發展適合香港情況的民主制度。根據這一原則，本章以及附件一、附件二對香港特別行政區政治體制有以下一些主要規定：
(一) 關於行政機關和立法機關的關係。行政機關和立法機關之間的關係應該是既互相制衡又互相配合；為了保持香港的穩定和行政效率，行政長官應有實權，但同時也要受到制約。草案規定，行政長官是香港特別行政區的首長，對中央人民政府和香港特別行政區負責。行政長官領導香港特別行政區政府；簽署法案並公佈法律，簽署財政預算案；行政長官如認為立法會通過的法案不符合香港特別行政區的整體利益，可將法案發回立法會重議，如行政長官拒絕簽署立法會再次通過的法案，或立法會拒絕通過政府提出的預算案或其他重要法案，經協調仍不能取得一致意見，行政長官可解散立法會。草案又規定，政府必須遵守法律，向立法會負責：執行立法會制定並已生效的法律，定期向立法會作施政報告，答覆有關質詢，徵稅和公共開支需經立法會批准；行政長官在作出重要決策、向立法會提交法案、制定附屬法規和解散立法會前，必須徵詢行政會議的意見。同時又規定，如立法會以不少於全體議員三分之二多數再次通過被行政長官發回的法案，行政長官必須在一個月內簽署公佈，除非行政長官解散立法會；如被解散後重選的立法會仍以三分之二多數通過有爭議的原法案或繼續拒絕通過政府提出的預算案或其他重要法案，行政長官必須辭職；如行政長官有嚴重違法或瀆職行為而不辭職，立法會通過一定程序可提出彈劾案，報請中央人民政府決定。上述這些規定體現了行政和立法之間相互制衡、相互配合的關係。
(二) 關於行政長官的產生辦法。草案規定，行政長官在當地通過選舉或協商產生，報中央人民政府任命。行政長官的產生辦法要根據香港的實際情況和循序漸進的原則而規定，最終達到由一個有廣泛代表性的提名委員會按民主程序提名後普選的目標。據此，附件一對行政長官的產生辦法作了具體規定，在一九九七年至二〇〇七年的十年內由有廣泛代表性的選舉委員會選舉產生，此後如要改變選舉辦法，由立法會全體議員三分之二多數通過，行政長官同意並報全國人大常委會批准。行政長官的具體產生辦法由附件規定比較靈活，方便在必要時作出修改。
(三) 關於立法會的產生辦法和立法會對法案和議案的表決程序。草案規定，立法會由選舉產生，其產生辦法要根據香港的實際情況和循序漸進的原則而規定，最終達到全體議員由普選產生的目標。據此，附件二對立法會的產生辦法作了具體規定，第一、二屆立法會由功能團體選舉、選舉委員會選舉和分區直接選舉等三種方式產生的議員組成。在特別行政區成立的頭十年內，逐屆增加分區直選的議員席位，減少選舉委員會選舉的議員席位，到第三屆立法會，功能團體選舉和分區直選的議員各佔一半。這樣規定符合循序漸進地發展選舉制度的原則。附件二還規定，立法會對政府提出的法案和議員個人提出的法案、議案採取不同的表決程序。政府提出的法案獲出席會議的議員過半數票即為通過；議員個人提出的法案、議案和對政府法案的修正案須分別獲功能團體選舉的議員和分區直接選舉、選舉委員會選舉的議員兩部分出席會議的議員各過半數票，方為通過。這樣規定，有利於兼顧各階層的利益，同時又不至於使政府的法案陷入無休止的爭論，有利於政府施政的高效率。在特別行政區成立十年以後，立法會的產生辦法和對法案、議案的表決程序如需改進，由立法會全體議員三分之二多數通過，行政長官同意並報全國人大常委會備案。立法會的具體產生辦法和對法案、議案的表決程序由附件規定，也是考慮到這樣比較靈活，方便必要時作出修改。
(四) 關於香港特別行政區行政長官、行政會議成員、立法會主席、政府主要官員、終審法院和高等法院首席法官以及基本法委員會香港委員的資格。草案的有關條文規定，擔任上述職務的人必須是在外國無居留權的香港特別行政區永久性居民中的中國公民。這是體現國家主權的需要，也是體現由香港當地人管理香港的原則的需要，只有這樣才能使擔任上述職務的人切實對國家、對香港特
別行政區以及香港居民負起責任。也正是基於這一考慮，有關條文還規定，特別行政區立法會必須由在外國無居留權的香港特別行政區永久性居民中的中國公民組成。但照顧到香港的具體情況，允許非中國籍的香港特別行政區永久性居民和在外國有居留權的香港特別行政區永久性居民可以當選為立法會議員，但其所佔比例不得超過立法會全體議員的20%。
(五) 關於香港特別行政區第一屆政府和立法會的產生辦法。根據體現國家主權、有利平穩過渡的原則，香港特別行政區的成立須由全國人大設立的香港特別行政區籌備委員會負責主持。考慮到籌備工作須在香港特別行政區第一屆政府和立法會成立之前進行，而基本法要到一九九七年七月一日才開始實施，起草委員會建議，全國人大對第一屆政府和立法會的產生辦法作出專門決定，此項決定與基本法同時公佈。起草委員會為此起草了有關決定的代擬稿。規定香港特別行政區第一任行政長官，由香港人組成的推選委員會負責產生，報請中央人民政府任命；原香港最後一屆立法局的組成如符合全國人大關於特別行政區第一屆政府和立法會產生辦法的決定中的規定，其議員擁護基本法，願意效忠香港特別行政區並符合基本法規定條件者，經籌委會確認後可成為香港特別行政區第一屆立法會議員。這樣安排，是為了保證香港在整個過渡時期的穩定以及政權的平穩銜接。
此外，還規定行政長官、主要官員、行政會議和立法會成員、各級法院法官和其他司法人員在就職時必須宣誓擁護基本法，效忠中華人民共和國香港特別行政區。
五、關於經濟和教育、科學、文化、體育、宗教、勞工和社會服務。
第五章主要從財政、金融、貿易、工商業、土地契約、航運、民用航空等八個方面，就香港特別行政區的經濟制度和政策作了規定，這些規定對於保障香港的資本主義經濟機制的正常運行，保持香港的國際金融中心地位和自由港地位很有必要。如在金融貨幣方面規定，香港特別行政區不實行外匯管制政策，繼續開放外匯、黃金、證券、期貨等市場；保障一切資金的流動和進出自由；保障金融企業和金融市場的經營自由；確定港幣為特別行政區法定貨幣，可自由兌換，其發行權在特別行政區政府等等。又如在對外貿易方面規定，一切外來投資受法律保護；保障貨物、無形財產和資本的流動自由；除法律另有規定外，不徵收關稅；香港特別行政區為單獨的關稅地區，可以“中國香港”的名義參加關稅和貿易總協定、關於國際紡織品貿易安排等有關國際組織和國際貿易協定，包括優惠貿易安排；香港特別行政區所取得的各類出口配額、關稅優惠和達成的其他類似安排全由香港特別行政區享用。同時還規定香港特別行政區的財政預算要力求收支平衡，避免赤字；參照現行的低稅政策，自行立法規定稅制。此外對主要行業、土地契約、航運、民用航空等各方面作了比較詳盡的規定。
第六章就保持或發展香港現行的教育、科學、文化、體育、宗教、勞工和社會服務等方面的制度和政策作出了規定。這些規定涉及香港居民在社會生活多方面的利益，對於社會的穩定和發展是重要的。
第五、六兩章的政策性條款較多，考慮到我國政府在中英聯合聲明中已承諾把我國對香港的基本方針政策和中英聯合聲明附件一對上述基本方針政策的具體說明寫入基本法，加之香港各界人士要求在基本法裏反映和保護其各自利益的願望比較迫切，因此儘管在起草過程中曾對條文的繁簡有不同意見，但最終還是把政策性條款保留下來。
最後，我就香港特別行政區區旗、區徽圖案(草案)作一點說明。區旗是一面中間配有五顆星的動態紫荊花圖案的紅旗。紅旗代表祖國，紫荊花代表香港，寓意香港是中國不可分離的部分，在祖國的懷抱中興旺發達。花蕊上的五顆星象徵著香港同胞心中熱愛祖國，紅、白兩色體現了“一國兩制”的精神。區徽呈圓形，其外圈寫有“中華人民共和國香港特別行政區”和英文“香港”字樣，其中間的五顆星動態紫荊花圖案的構思及其象徵意義與區旗相同，也是以紅、白兩色體現“一國兩制”的精神。
各位代表，以上是我對《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法(草案)》包括附件及有關文件和香港特別行政區區旗、區徽圖案(草案)的說明，請大會審議。
文件九
全國人民代表大會關於《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》的決定
(1990年4月4日第七屆全國人民代表大會第三次會議通過)
第七屆全國人民代表大會第三次會議通過《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》，包括附件一：《香港特別行政區行政長官的產生辦法》，附件二：《香港特別行政區立法會的產生辦法和表決程序》，附件三：《在香港特別行政區實施的全國性法律》，以及香港特別行政區區旗和區徽圖案。《中華人民共和國憲法》第三十一條規定：“國家在必要時得設立特別行政區。在特別行政區內實行的制度按照具體情況由全國人民代表大會以法律規定。”香港特別行政區基本法是根據《中華人民共和國憲法》、按照香港的具體情況制定的，是符合憲法的。香港特別行政區設立後實行的制度、政策和法律，以香港特別行政區基本法為依據。
《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》自1997年7月1日起實施。
文件十
全國人民代表大會關於設立香港特別行政區的決定
(1990年4月4日第七屆全國人民代表大會第三次會議通過)
第七屆全國人民代表大會第三次會議根據《中華人民共和國憲法》第三十一條和第六十二條第十三項的規定，決定：
一、自1997年7月1日起設立香港特別行政區。
二、香港特別行政區的區域包括香港島、九龍半島，以及所轄的島嶼和附近海域。香港特別行政區的行政區域圖由國務院另行公布。
文件十一
中華人民共和國國務院令第221號
根據1990年4月4日第七屆全國人民代表大會第三次會議通過的《全國人民代表大會關於設立香港特別行政區的決定》，《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區行政區域圖》已經1997年5月7日國務院第56次常務會議通過，現予公布。
附：中華人民共和國香港特別行政區行政區域界線文字表述
總理
李鵬
一九九七年七月一日
附：中華人民共和國香港特別行政區行政區域界線文字表述
區域界線由陸地部分和海上部分組成。
一、陸地部分
陸地部分由以下三段組成：
(一) 沙頭角鎮段
1. 由沙頭角碼頭底部東角(1號點，北緯22˚32'37.21"，東經114˚13'34.85")起至新樓街東側並行的排水溝入海口處，再沿排水溝中心線至該線與中英街中心線的交點(2號點，北緯22˚32'45.42"，東經114˚13'32.40")；
2. 由2號點起沿中英街中心線至步步街與中英街兩街中心線的交點(3號點，北緯22˚32'52.26"，東經114˚13'36.91")；
3. 由3號點起以直線連接沙頭角河橋西側河中心橋墩底部的西端(4號點，北緯22˚32'52.83"，東經114˚13'36.86")。
(二) 沙頭角鎮至伯公坳段由4號點起沿沙頭角河中心線逆流而上經伯公坳東側山谷谷底至該坳鞍部中心止(5號點，北緯22˚33'23.49"，東經114˚12'24.25")。
(三) 伯公坳至深圳河入海段由伯公坳鞍部起沿該坳西側主山谷谷底至深圳河伯公坳源頭，再沿深圳河中心線直至深圳灣(亦稱后海灣)河口處止。深圳河治理後，以新河中心線作為區域界線。
二、海上部分
海上部分由以下三段組成：
(一) 深圳灣海域段由深圳河入海口起，沿南航道中央至84號航燈標(亦稱“B”號航燈標)(6號點，北緯22˚30'36.23"，東經113˚59'42.20")，再與以下兩點直線連成：
1. 深圳灣83號航燈標(亦稱“A”號航燈標)(7號點，北緯22˚28'20.49"，東經113˚56'52.10")；
2. 上述7號點與內伶仃島南端的東角咀的聯線與東經113˚52'08.8"經線的交點(8 號點，北緯22˚25'43.7" ，東經 113˚52'08.8")。
(二) 南面海域段由8號點起與以下13點直線連成：
1. 由8號點沿東經113˚52'08.8"經線向南延伸至北緯22˚20'處(9號點，北緯22˚20'，東經113˚52'08.8")；
2. 大澳北面海岸線最突出部向西北1海里處(10號點，北緯22˚16'23.2"，東經113˚50'50.6")；
3. 大澳西面海岸線最突出部向西北1海里處(11號點，北緯22˚16'03.8"，東經113˚50'20.4")；
4. 雞公山西南面海岸線最突出部向西北1海里處(12號點，北緯22˚14'21.4"，東經113˚49'35.0")；
5. 大嶼山雞翼角西面海岸線最突出部向西1海里處(13號點，北緯22˚13'01.4"，東經113˚49'01.6")；
6. 大嶼山分流角西南面海岸線最突出部向西南1海里處(14號點，北緯22˚11'01.9"，東經113˚49'56.6")；
7. 索罟群島大鴉洲南面海岸線最突出部與大蜘洲銀角咀北面海岸線最突出部間的中點(15號點，北緯22˚08'33.1"，東經113˚53'47.6")；
8. 索罟群島頭顱洲南面海岸線最突出部向南1海里處(16號點，北緯22˚08'12.2"，東經113˚55'20.6")；
9. 以索罟群島頭顱洲南面海岸線最突出部為中心之1海里半徑與北緯22˚08'54.5"緯線在東面的交點(17號點，北緯22˚08'54.5"，東經113˚56'22.4")；
10. 以蒲台群島墨洲西南面海岸線最突出部為中心之1海里半徑與北緯22˚08'54.5"緯線在西面的交點(18號點，北緯22˚08'54.5"，東經114˚14'09.6")；
11. 蒲台島南角咀正南1海里處(19號點，北緯22˚08'18.8"，東經114˚15'18.6")；
12. 以蒲台島大角頭東南面海岸線最突出部為中心之1海里半徑與北緯22˚08'54.5"緯線在東面的交點(20號點，北緯22˚08'54.5"，東經114˚17'02.4")；
13. 北緯22˚08'54.5"，東經114˚30'08.8"(21號點)。
(三) 大鵬灣海域段
由21號點與以下10點和1號點直線連成：
1. 北緯22˚21'54.5"，東經114˚30'08.8"(22號點)；
2. 大鹿灣北面海岸線最突出部至石牛洲導航燈間的中點(23號點，北緯22˚28'07.4"，東經114˚27'17.6")；
3. 水頭沙西南海岸線最突出部至平洲島更樓石間的中點(24號點，北緯22˚32'41.9"，東經114˚27'18.5")；
4. 秤頭角至平洲島的洲尾角間的中點(25 號點，北緯 22˚33'43.2"，東經114˚26'02.3")；
5. 背仔角海岸線最突出部至白沙洲北面海岸線最突出部間的中點(26號點，北緯22˚34'06.0"，東經114˚19'58.7")；
6. 正角咀海岸線最突出部至吉澳雞公頭東面海岸線最突出部間的中點(27號點，北緯22˚34'00.0"，東經114˚18'32.7")；
7. 塘元涌海岸線最突出部至吉澳北面海岸線最突出部間的中點(28號點，北緯22˚33'55.8"，東經114˚16'33.7")；
8. 恩上南小河入海口處至長排頭間的中點(29號點，北緯22˚33'20.6"，東經114˚14'55.2")；
9. 官路下小河入海口處至三角咀間的中點(30號點，北緯22˚33'02.6"，東經114˚14'13.4")；
10. 1號點正東方向至對岸間的中點(31 號點，北緯 22˚32'37.2"，東經114˚14'01.1")。
文件十二
全國人民代表大會關於香港特別行政區第一屆政府和立法會產生辦法的決定
(1990年4月4日第七屆全國人民代表大會 第三次會議通過)
一、香港特別行政區第一屆政府和立法會根據體現國家主權、平穩過渡的原則產生。
二、在1996年內，全國人民代表大會設立香港特別行政區籌備委員會，負責籌備成立香港特別行政區的有關事宜，根據本決定規定第一屆政府和立法會的具體產生辦法。籌備委員會由內地和不少於50%的香港委員組成，主任委員和委員由全國人民代表大會常務委員會委任。
三、香港特別行政區籌備委員會負責籌組香港特別行政區第一屆政府推選委員會(以下簡稱推選委員會)。 推選委員會全部由香港永久性居民組成，必須具有廣泛代表性，成員包括全國人民代表大會香港地區代表、香港地區全國政協委員的代表、香港特別行政區成立前曾在香港行政、立法、諮詢機構任職並有實際經驗的人士和各階層、界別中具有代表性的人士。
推選委員會由400人組成，比例如下：
工商、金融界 25%
專業界 25%
勞工、基層、宗教等界 25%
原政界人士、香港地區全國人大代表、 香港地區全國政協委員的代表 25%
四、推選委員會在當地以協商方式、或協商後提名選舉，推舉第一任行政長官人選，報中央人民政府任命。第一任行政長官的任期與正常任期相同。
五、第一屆香港特別行政區政府由香港特別行政區行政長官按香港特別行政區基本法規定負責籌組。
六、香港特別行政區第一屆立法會由60人組成，其中分區直接選舉產生議員20人，選舉委員會選舉產生議員10人，功能團體選舉產生議員30人。原香港最後一屆立法局的組成如符合本決定和香港特別行政區基本法的有關規定，其議員擁護中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法、願意效忠中華人民共和國香港特別行政區並符合香港特別行政區基本法規定條件者，經香港特別行政區籌備委員會確認，即可成為香港特別行政區第一屆立法會議員。香港特別行政區第一屆立法會議員的任期為兩年。
文件十三
全國人民代表大會關於批准香港特別行政區基本法起草委員會關於設立全國人民代表大會常務委員會香港特別行政區基本法委員會的建議的決定
(1990年4月4日第七屆全國人民代表大會第三次會議通過)
第七屆全國人民代表大會第三次會議決定：
一、批准香港特別行政區基本法起草委員會關於設立全國人民代表大會常務委員會香港特別行政區基本法委員會的建議。
二、在《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》實施時，設立全國人民代表大會常務委員會香港特別行政區基本法委員會。
附
香港特別行政區基本法起草委員會關於設立全國人民代表大會常務委員會香港特別行政區基本法委員會的建議
一、名稱：全國人民代表大會常務委員會香港特別行政區基本法委員會。
二、隸屬關係：是全國人民代表大會常務委員會下設的工作委員會。
三、任務：就有關香港特別行政區基本法第十七條、第十八條、第一百五十八條、第一百五十九條實施中的問題進行研究，並向全國人民代表大會常務委員會提供意見。
四、組成：成員十二人，由全國人民代表大會常務委員會任命內地和香港人士各六人組成，其中包括法律界人士，任期五年。香港委員須由在外國無居留權的香港特別行政區永久性居民中的中國公民擔任，由香港特別行政區行政長官，立法會主席和終審法院首席法官聯合提名，報全國人民代表大會常務委員會任命。
文件十四
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》英文本的決定
(1990年6月28日通過)
第七屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第十四次會議決定：全國人民代表大會法律委員會主持審定的《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》英譯本為正式英文本，和中文本同樣使用；英文本中的用語的含義如果有與中文本有出入的，以中文本為準。
文件十五
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於《中華人民共和國國籍法》在香港特別行政區實施的幾個問題的解釋
(1996年5月15日第八屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第十九次會議通過)
根據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第十八條和附件三的規定，《中華人民共和國國籍法》自1997年7月1日起在香港特別行政區實施。考慮到香港的歷史背景和現實情況，對《中華人民共和國國籍法》在香港特別行政區實施作如下解釋：
一、凡具有中國血統的香港居民，本人出生在中國領土(含香港)者，以及其他符合《中華人民共和國國籍法》規定的具有中國國籍的條件者，都是中國公民。
二、所有香港中國同胞，不論其是否持有“英國屬土公民護照”或者“英國國民(海外)護照”，都是中國公民。自1997年7月1日起，上述中國公民可繼續使用英國政府簽發的有效旅行證件去其他國家或地區旅行，但在香港特別行政區和中華人民共和國其他地區不得因持有上述英國旅行證件而享有英國的領事保護的權利。
三、任何在香港的中國公民，因英國政府的“居英權計劃”而獲得的英國公民身份，根據《中華人民共和國國籍法》不予承認。這類人仍為中國公民，在香港特別行政區和中華人民共和國其他地區不得享有英國的領事保護的權利。
四、在外國有居留權的香港特別行政區的中國公民，可使用外國政府簽發的有關證件去其他國家或地區旅行，但在香港特別行政區和中華人民共和國其他地區不得因持有上述證件而享有外國領事保護的權利。
五、香港特別行政區的中國公民的國籍發生變更，可憑有效證件向香港特別行政區受理國籍申請的機關申報。
六、授權香港特別行政區政府指定其入境事務處為香港特別行政區受理國籍申請的機關，香港特別行政區入境事務處根據《中華人民共和國國籍法》和以上規定對所有國籍申請事宜作出處理。
文件十六
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於根據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第一百六十條處理香港原有法律的決定
(1997年2月23日第八屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第二十四次會議通過)
《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》(以下簡稱《基本法》)第一百六十條規定：“香港特別行政區成立時，香港原有法律除由全國人民代表大會常務委員會宣布為同本法抵觸者外，採用為香港特別行政區法律，如以後發現有的法律與本法抵觸，可依照本法規定的程序修改或停止生效。”第八條規定：“香港原有法律，即普通法、衡平法、條例、附屬立法和習慣法，除同本法相抵觸或經香港特別行政區的立法機關作出修改者外，予以保留。”第八屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第二十四次會議根據上述規定，審議了香港特別行政區籌備委員會關於處理香港原有法律問題的建議，決定如下：
一、香港原有法律，包括普通法、衡平法、條例、附屬立法和習慣法，除同《基本法》抵觸者外，採用為香港特別行政區法律。
二、列於本決定附件一的香港原有的條例及附屬立法抵觸《基本法》，不採用為香港特別行政區法律。
三、列於本決定附件二的香港原有的條例及附屬立法的部分條款抵觸《基本法》，抵觸的部分條款不採用為香港特別行政區法律。
四、採用為香港特別行政區法律的香港原有法律，自1997年7月1日起，在適用時，應作出必要的變更、適應、限制或例外，以符合中華人民共和國對香港恢復行使主權後香港的地位和《基本法》的有關規定，如《新界土地(豁免)條例》在適用時應符合上述原則。
除符合上述原則外，原有的條例或附屬立法中：(
一) 規定與香港特別行政區有關的外交事務的法律，如與在香港特別行政區實施的全國性法律不一致，應以全國性法律為準，並符合中央人民政府享有的國際權利和承擔的國際義務。
(二) 任何給予英國或英聯邦其它國家或地區特權待遇的規定，不予保留，但有關香港與英國或英聯邦其它國家或地區之間互惠性規定，不在此限。
(三) 有關英國駐香港軍隊的權利、豁免及義務的規定，凡不抵觸《基本法》和《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區駐軍法》的規定者，予以保留，適用於中華人民共和國中央人民政府派駐香港特別行政區的軍隊。
(四) 有關英文的法律效力高於中文的規定，應解釋為中文和英文都是正式語文。
(五) 在條款中引用的英國法律的規定，如不損害中華人民共和國的主權和不抵觸《基本法》的規定，在香港特別行政區對其作出修改前，作為過渡安排，可繼續參照適用。
五、在符合第四條規定的條件下，採用為香港特別行政區法律的香港原有法律，除非文意另有所指，對其中的名稱或詞句的解釋或適用，須遵循本決定附件三所規定的替換原則。
六、採用為香港特別行政區法律的香港原有法律，如以後發現與《基本法》相抵觸者，可依照《基本法》規定的程序修改或停止生效。
附件一
香港原有法律中下列條例及附屬立法抵觸《基本法》，不採用為香港特別行政區法律：
1. 《受託人(香港政府證券)條例》(香港法例第77章)；
2. 《英國法律應用條例》(香港法例第88章)；
3. 《英國以外婚姻條例》(香港法例第180章)；
4. 《華人引渡條例》(香港法例第235章)；
5. 《香港徽幟(保護)條例》(香港法例第315章)；
6. 《國防部大臣(產業承繼)條例》(香港法例第193章)；
7. 《皇家香港軍團條例》(香港法例第199章)；
8. 《強制服役條例》(香港法例第246章)；
9. 《陸軍及皇家空軍法律服務處條例》(香港法例第286章)；
10. 《英國國籍(雜項規定)條例》(香港法例第186章)；
11. 《1981年英國國籍法(相應修訂)條例》(香港法例第373章)；
12. 《選舉規定條例》(香港法例第367章)；
13. 《立法局(選舉規定)條例》(香港法例第381章)；
14. 《選區分界及選舉事務委員會條例》(香港法例第432章)。
附件二
香港原有法律中下列條例及附屬立法的部分條款抵觸《基本法》，不採用為香港特別行政區法律：
1. 《人民入境條例》(香港法例第115章)第2條中有關“香港永久性居民”的定義和附表一“香港永久性居民”的規定；
2. 任何為執行在香港適用的英國國籍法所作出的規定；
3. 《市政局條例》(香港法例第101章)中有關選舉的規定；
4. 《區域市政局條例》(香港法例第385章)中有關選舉的規定；
5. 《區議會條例》(香港法例第366章)中有關選舉的規定；
6. 《舞弊及非法行為條例》(香港法例第288章)中的附屬立法A《市政局、區域市政局以及區議會選舉費用令》和附屬立法C《立法局決議》；
7. 《香港人權法案條例》(香港法例第383章)第2條第(3)款有關該條例的解釋及應用目的的規定，第3條有關“對先前法例的影響”和第4條有關“日後的法例的釋義”的規定；
8. 《個人資料(私隱)條例》(香港法例第486章)第3條第(2)款有關該條例具有凌駕地位的規定；
9. 1992年7月17日以來對《社團條例》(香港法例第151章)的重大修改；
10. 1995年7月27日以來對《公安條例》(香港法例第245章)的重大修改。
附件三
採用為香港特別行政區法律的香港原有法律中的名稱或詞句在解釋或適用時一般須遵循以下替換原則：
1. 任何提及“女王陛下”、“王室”、“英國政府”及“國務大臣”等相類似名稱或詞句的條款，如該條款內容是關於香港土地所有權或涉及《基本法》所規定的中央管理的事務和中央與香港特別行政區的關係，則該等名稱或詞句應相應地解釋為中央或中國的其它主管機關，其它情況下應解釋為香港特別行政區政府。
2. 任何提及“女王會同樞密院”或“樞密院”的條款，如該條款內容是關於上訴權事項，則該等名稱或詞句應解釋為香港特別行政區終審法院，其它情況下，依第1項規定處理。
3. 任何冠以“皇家”的政府機構或半官方機構的名稱應刪去“皇家”字樣，並解釋為香港特別行政區相應的機構。
4. 任何“本殖民地”的名稱應解釋為香港特別行政區；任何有關香港領域的表述應依照國務院頒布的香港特別行政區行政區域圖作出相應解釋後適用。
5. 任何“最高法院”及“高等法院”等名稱或詞句應相應地解釋為高等法院及高等法院原訟法庭。
6. 任何“總督”、“總督會同行政局”、“布政司”、“律政司”、“首席按察司”、“政務司”、“憲制事務司”、“海關總監”及“按察司”等名稱或詞句應相應地解釋為香港特別行政區行政長官、行政長官會同行政會議、政務司長、律政司長、終審法院首席法官或高等法院首席法官、民政事務局局長、政制事務局局長、海關關長及高等法院法官。
7. 在香港原有法律中文文本中，任何有關立法局、司法機關或行政機關及其人員的名稱或詞句應相應地依照《基本法》的有關規定進行解釋和適用。
8. 任何提及“中華人民共和國”和“中國”等相類似名稱或詞句的條款，應解釋為包括台灣、香港和澳門在內的中華人民共和國；任何單獨或同時提及大陸、台灣、香港和澳門的名稱或詞句的條款，應相應地將其解釋為中華人民共和國的一個組成部分。
9. 任何提及“外國”等相類似名稱或詞句的條款，應解釋為中華人民共和國以外的任何國家或地區，或者根據該項法律或條款的內容解釋為“香港特別行政區以外的任何地方”；任何提及“外籍人士”等相類似名稱或詞句的條款，應解釋為中華人民共和國公民以外的任何人士。
10. 任何提及“本條例的條文不影響亦不得視為影響女王陛下、其儲君或其繼位人的權利”的規定，應解釋為“本條例的條文不影響亦不得視為影響中央或香港特別行政區政府根據《基本法》和其他法律的規定所享有的權利”。
文件十七
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第二十二條第四款和第二十四條第二款第(三)項的解釋
(1999年6月26日第九屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第十次會議通過)
第九屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第十次會議審議了國務院《關於提請解釋〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉第二十二條第四款和第二十四條第二款第(三)項的議案》。國務院的議案是應香港特別行政區行政長官根據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第四十三條和第四十八條第(二)項的有關規定提交的報告提出的。鑒於議案中提出的問題涉及香港特別行政區終審法院1999年1月29日的判決對《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》有關條款的解釋，該有關條款涉及中央管理的事務和中央與香港特別行政區的關係，終審法院在判決前沒有依照《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第一百五十八條第三款的規定請全國人民代表大會常務委員會作出解釋，而終審法院的解釋又不符合立法原意，經徵詢全國人民代表大會常務委員會香港特別行政區基本法委員會的意見，全國人民代表大會常務委員會決定，根據《中華人民共和國憲法》第六十七條第(四)項和《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第一百五十八條第一款的規定，對《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第二十二條第四款和第二十四條第二款第(三)項的規定，作如下解釋︰
一、《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第二十二條第四款關於“中國其他地區的人進入香港特別行政區須辦理批准手續”的規定，是指各省、自治區、直轄市的人，包括香港永久性居民在內地所生的中國籍子女，不論以何種事由要求進入香港特別行政區，均須依照國家有關法律、行政法規的規定，向其所在地區的有關機關申請辦理批准手續，並須持有有關機關製發的有效證件方能進入香港特別行政區。各省、自治區、直轄市的人，包括香港永久性居民在內地所生的中國籍子女，進入香港特別行政區，如未按國家有關法律、行政法規的規定辦理相應的批准手續，是不合法的。
二、《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第二十四條第二款前三項規定︰“香港特別行政區永久性居民為︰(一) 在香港特別行政區成立以前或以後在香港出生的中國公民；(二) 在香港特別行政區成立以前或以後在香港通常居住連續七年以上的中國公民； (三) 第(一)、(二)兩項所列居民在香港以外所生的中國籍子女”。其中第(三)項關於“第(一)、(二)兩項所列居民在香港以外所生的中國籍子女”的規定，是指無論本人是在香港特別行政區成立以前或以後出生，在其出生時，其父母雙方或一方須是符合《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第二十四條第二款第(一)項或第(二)項規定條件的人。本解釋所闡明的立法原意以及《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第二十四條第二款其他各項的立法原意，已體現在1996年8月10日全國人民代表大會香港特別行政區籌備委員會第四次全體會議通過的《關於實施〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉第二十四條第二款的意見》中。
本解釋公布之後，香港特別行政區法院在引用《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》有關條款時，應以本解釋為準。本解釋不影響香港特別行政區終審法院1999年1月29日對有關案件判決的有關訴訟當事人所獲得的香港特別行政區居留權。此外，其他任何人是否符合《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第二十四條第二款第(三)項規定的條件，均須以本解釋為準。
文件十八
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》附件一第七條和附件二第三條的解釋
(2004年4月6日第十屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第八次會議通過)第十屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第八次會議審議了委員長會議關於提請審議《全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉附件一第七條和附件二第三條的解釋(草案)》的議案。經徵詢全國人民代表大會常務委員會香港特別行政區基本法委員會的意見，全國人民代表大會常務委員會決定，根據《中華人民共和國憲法》第六十七條第四項和《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第一百五十八條第一款的規定，對《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》附件一《香港特別行政區行政長官的產生辦法》第七條“二○○七年以後各任行政長官的產生辦法如需修改，須經立法會全體議員三分之二多數通過，行政長官同意，並報全國人民代表大會常務委員會批准”的規定和附件二《香港特別行政區立法會的產生辦法和表決程序》第三條“二○○七年以後香港特別行政區立法會的產生辦法和法案、議案的表決程序，如需對本附件的規定進行修改，須經立法會全體議員三分之二多數通過，行政長官同意，並報全國人民代表大會常務委員會備案”的規定，作如下解釋：
一、上述兩個附件中規定的“二○○七年以後”，含二○○七年。
二、上述兩個附件中規定的二○○七年以後各任行政長官的產生辦法、立法會的產生辦法和法案、議案的表決程序“如需”修改，是指可以進行修改，也可以不進行修改。
三、上述兩個附件中規定的須經立法會全體議員三分之二多數通過，行政長官同意，並報全國人民代表大會常務委員會批准或者備案，是指行政長官的產生辦法和立法會的產生辦法及立法會法案、議案的表決程序修改時必經的法律程序。只有經過上述程序，包括最後全國人民代表大會常務委員會依法批准或者備案，該修改方可生效。是否需要進行修改，香港特別行政區行政長官應向全國人民代表大會常務委員會提出報告，由全國人民代表大會常務委員會依照《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第四十五條和第六十八條規定，根據香港特別行政區的實際情況和循序漸進的原則確定。修改行政長官產生辦法和立法會產生辦法及立法會法案、議案表決程序的法案及其修正案，應由香港特別行政區政府向立法會提出。
四、上述兩個附件中規定的行政長官的產生辦法、立法會的產生辦法和法案、議案的表決程序如果不作修改，行政長官的產生辦法仍適用附件一關於行政長官產生辦法的規定；立法會的產生辦法和法案、議案的表決程序仍適用附件二關於第三屆立法會產生辦法的規定和附件二關於法案、議案的表決程序的規定。
現予公告。
文件十九
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於香港特別行政區2007年行政長官和2008年立法會產生辦法有關問題的決定
(2004年4月26日第十屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第九次會議通過)
第十屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第九次會議審議了香港特別行政區行政長官董建華2004年4月15日提交的《關於香港特別行政區2007年行政長官和2008年立法會產生辦法是否需要修改的報告》，並在會前徵詢了香港特別行政區全國人大代表、全國政協委員和香港各界人士、全國人大常委會香港特別行政區基本法委員會香港委員、香港特別行政區政府政制發展專責小組的意見，同時徵求了國務院港澳事務辦公室的意見。全國人大常委會在審議中充分注意到近期香港社會對2007年以後行政長官和立法會的產生辦法的關注，其中包括一些團體和人士希望2007年行政長官和2008年立法會全部議員由普選產生的意見。
會議認為，《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》(以下簡稱香港基本法)第四十五條和第六十八條已明確規定，香港特別行政區行政長官和立法會的產生辦法應根據香港特別行政區的實際情況和循序漸進的原則而規定，最終達至行政長官由一個有廣泛代表性的提名委員會按民主程序提名後普選產生、立法會全部議員由普選產生的目標。香港特別行政區行政長官和立法會的產生辦法應符合香港基本法的上述原則和規定。有關香港特別行政區行政長官和立法會產生辦法的任何改變，都應遵循與香港社會、經濟、政治的發展相協調，有利於社會各階層、各界別、各方面的均衡參與，有利於行政主導體制的有效運行，有利於保持香港的長期繁榮穩定等原則。
會議認為，香港特別行政區成立以來，香港居民所享有的民主權利是前所未有的。第一任行政長官由400人組成的推選委員會選舉產生，第二任行政長官由800人組成的選舉委員會選舉產生；立法會60名議員中分區直選產生的議員已由第一屆立法會的20名增加到第二屆立法會的24名，今年9月產生的第三屆立法會將達至30名。香港實行民主選舉的歷史不長，香港居民行使參與推選特別行政區行政長官的民主權利，至今不到7年。香港回歸祖國以來，立法會中分區直選議員的數量已有相當幅度的增加，在達至分區直選議員和功能團體選舉的議員各佔一半的格局後，對香港社會整體運作的影響，尤其是對行政主導體制的影響尚有待實踐檢驗。加之目前香港社會各界對於2007年以後行政長官和立法會的產生辦法如何確定仍存在較大分歧，尚未形成廣泛共識。在此情況下，實現香港基本法第四十五條規定的行政長官由一個有廣泛代表性的提名委員會按民主程序提名後普選產生和香港基本法第六十八條規定的立法會全部議員由普選產生的條件還不具備。
鑑此，全國人大常委會依據香港基本法的有關規定和《全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉附件一第七條和附件二第三條的解釋》，對香港特別行政區2007年行政長官和2008年立法會的產生辦法決定如下：
一、2007年香港特別行政區第三任行政長官的選舉，不實行由普選產生的辦法。2008年香港特別行政區第四屆立法會的選舉，不實行全部議員由普選產生的辦法，功能團體和分區直選產生的議員各佔半數的比例維持不變，立法會對法案、議案的表決程序維持不變。
二、在不違反本決定第一條的前提下，2007年香港特別行政區第三任行政長官的具體產生辦法和2008年香港特別行政區第四屆立法會的具體產生辦法，可按照香港基本法第四十五條、第六十八條的規定和附件一第七條、附件二第三條的規定作出符合循序漸進原則的適當修改。
會議認為，按照香港基本法的規定，在香港特別行政區根據實際情況，循序漸進地發展民主，是中央堅定不移的一貫立場。隨着香港社會各方面的發展和進步，經過香港特別行政區政府和香港居民的共同努力，香港特別行政區的民主制度一定能夠不斷地向前發展，最終達至香港基本法規定的行政長官由一個有廣泛代表性的提名委員會按民主程序提名後普選產生和立法會全部議員由普選產生的目標。
文件二十
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第五十三條第二款的解釋
(2005年4月27日第十屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第十五次會議通過)
第十屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第十五次會議審議了國務院《關於提請解釋〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉第五十三條第二款的議案》。根據《中華人民共和國憲法》第六十七條第四項和《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第一百五十八條第一款的規定，並徵詢全國人民代表大會常務委員會香港特別行政區基本法委員會的意見，全國人民代表大會常務委員會對《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第五十三條第二款的規定，作如下解釋：
《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第五十三條第二款中規定：“行政長官缺位時，應在六個月內依本法第四十五條的規定產生新的行政長官。”其中“依本法第四十五條的規定產生新的行政長官”，既包括新的行政長官應依據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第四十五條規定的產生辦法產生，也包括新的行政長官的任期應依據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第四十五條規定的產生辦法確定。
《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第四十五條第三款規定：“行政長官產生的具體辦法由附件一《香港特別行政區行政長官的產生辦法》規定。”附件一第一條規定：“行政長官由一個具有廣泛代表性的選舉委員會根據本法選出，由中央人民政府任命。”第二條規定：“選舉委員會每屆任期五年。”第七條規定：“二○○七年以後各任行政長官的產生辦法如需修改，須經立法會全體議員三分之二多數通過，行政長官同意，並報全國人民代表大會常務委員會批准。”上述規定表明，二○○七年以前，在行政長官由任期五年的選舉委員會選出的制度安排下，如出現行政長官未任滿《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第四十六條規定的五年任期導致行政長官缺位的情況，新的行政長官的任期應為原行政長官的剩餘任期；二○○七年以後，如對上述行政長官產生辦法作出修改，屆時出現行政長官缺位的情況，新的行政長官的任期應根據修改後的行政長官具體產生辦法確定。
現予公告。
文件二十一
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於香港特別行政區2012年行政長官和立法會產生辦法及有關普選問題的決定
(2007年12月29日第十屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第三十一次會議通過)
第十屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第三十一次會議審議了香港特別行政區行政長官曾蔭權2007年12月12日提交的《關於香港特別行政區政制發展諮詢情況及2012年行政長官和立法會產生辦法是否需要修改的報告》。會議認為，2012年香港特別行政區第四任行政長官的具體產生辦法和第五屆立法會的具體產生辦法可以作出適當修改；2017年香港特別行政區第五任行政長官的選舉可以實行由普選產生的辦法；在行政長官由普選產生以後，香港特別行政區立法會的選舉可以實行全部議員由普選產生的辦法。全國人民代表大會常務委員會根據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》的有關規定和《全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉附件一第七條和附件二第三條的解釋》決定如下：
一、2012年香港特別行政區第四任行政長官的選舉，不實行由普選產生的辦法。2012年香港特別行政區第五屆立法會的選舉，不實行全部議員由普選產生的辦法，功能團體和分區直選產生的議員各佔半數的比例維持不變，立法會對法案、議案的表決程序維持不變。在此前提下，2012年香港特別行政區第四任行政長官的具體產生辦法和2012年香港特別行政區第五屆立法會的具體產生辦法，可按照《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第四十五條、第六十八條的規定和附件一第七條、附件二第三條的規定作出符合循序漸進原則的適當修改。
二、在香港特別行政區行政長官實行普選前的適當時候，行政長官須按照香港基本法的有關規定和《全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉附件一第七條和附件二第三條的解釋》，就行政長官產生辦法的修改問題向全國人民代表大會常務委員會提出報告，由全國人民代表大會常務委員會確定。修改行政長官產生辦法的法案及其修正案，應由香港特別行政區政府向立法會提出，經立法會全體議員三分之二多數通過，行政長官同意，報全國人民代表大會常務委員會批准。
三、在香港特別行政區立法會全部議員實行普選前的適當時候，行政長官須按照香港基本法的有關規定和《全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉附件一第七條和附件二第三條的解釋》，就立法會產生辦法的修改問題以及立法會表決程序是否相應作出修改的問題向全國人民代表大會常務委員會提出報告，由全國人民代表大會常務委員會確定。修改立法會產生辦法和立法會法案、議案表決程序的法案及其修正案，應由香港特別行政區政府向立法會提出，經立法會全體議員三分之二多數通過，行政長官同意，報全國人民代表大會常務委員會備案。
四、香港特別行政區行政長官的產生辦法、立法會的產生辦法和法案、議案表決程序如果未能依照法定程序作出修改，行政長官的產生辦法繼續適用上一任行政長官的產生辦法，立法會的產生辦法和法案、議案表決程序繼續適用上一屆立法會的產生辦法和法案、議案表決程序。
會議認為，根據香港基本法第四十五條的規定，在香港特別行政區行政長官實行普選產生的辦法時，須組成一個有廣泛代表性的提名委員會。提名委員會可參照香港基本法附件一有關選舉委員會的現行規定組成。提名委員會須按照民主程序提名產生若干名行政長官候選人，由香港特別行政區全體合資格選民普選產生行政長官人選，報中央人民政府任命。
會議認為，經過香港特別行政區政府和香港市民的共同努力，香港特別行政區的民主制度一定能夠不斷向前發展，並按照香港基本法和本決定的規定，實現行政長官和立法會全部議員由普選產生的目標。
文件二十二
全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第十三條第一款和第十九條的解釋
(2011年8月26日第十一屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第二十二次會議通過)
第十一屆全國人民代表大會常務委員會第二十二次會議審議了委員長會議關於提請審議《全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉第十三條第一款和第十九條的解釋(草案)》的議案。委員長會議的議案是應香港特別行政區終審法院依據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第一百五十八條第三款的規定提請全國人民代表大會常務委員會解釋《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》有關規定的報告提出的。
香港特別行政區終審法院在審理一起與剛果民主共和國有關的案件時，涉及香港特別行政區是否應適用中央人民政府決定採取的國家豁免規則或政策的問題。為此，香港特別行政區終審法院依據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第一百五十八條第三款的規定，提請全國人民代表大會常務委員會解釋如下問題：“(1)根據第十三條第一款的真正解釋，中央人民政府是否有權力決定中華人民共和國的國家豁免規則或政策；(2)如有此權力的話，根據第十三條第一款和第十九條的真正解釋，香港特別行政區(‘香港特區’)(包括香港特區的法院)是否：①有責任援用或實施中央人民政府根據第十三條第一款所決定的國家豁免規則或政策；或②反之，可隨意偏離中央人民政府根據第十三條第一款所決定的國家豁免規則或政策，並採取一項不同的規則；(3)中央人民政府決定國家豁免規則或政策是否屬於《基本法》第十九條第三款第一句中所說的‘國防、外交等國家行為’；以及(4)香港特區成立後，第十三條第一款、第十九條和香港作為中華人民共和國的特別行政區的地位，對香港原有(即1997年7月1日之前)的有關國家豁免的普通法(如果這些法律與中央人民政府根據第十三條第一款所決定的國家豁免規則或政策有牴觸)所帶來的影響，是否令到這些普通法法律，須按照《基本法》第八條和第一百六十條及於1997年2月23日根據第一百六十條作出的《全國人民代表大會常務委員會的決定》的規定，在適用時作出必要的變更、適應、限制或例外，以確保關於這方面的普通法符合中央人民政府所決定的國家豁免規則或政策。”香港特別行政區終審法院上述提請解釋的做法符合《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第一百五十八條第三款的規定。
根據《中華人民共和國憲法》第六十七條第(四)項和《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第一百五十八條的規定，並徵詢全國人民代表大會常務委員會香港特別行政區基本法委員會的意見，全國人民代表大會常務委員會就香港特別行政區終審法院提請解釋的《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第十三條第一款和第十九條的規定以及相關問題，作如下解釋：
一、關於香港特別行政區終審法院提請解釋的第(1)個問題。依照《中華人民共和國憲法》第八十九條第(九)項的規定，國務院即中央人民政府行使管理國家對外事務的職權，國家豁免規則或政策屬於國家對外事務中的外交事務範疇，中央人民政府有權決定中華人民共和國的國家豁免規則或政策，在中華人民共和國領域內統一實施。基於上述，根據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第十三條第一款關於“中央人民政府負責管理與香港特別行政區有關的外交事務”的規定，管理與香港特別行政區有關的外交事務屬於中央人民政府的權力，中央人民政府有權決定在香港特別行政區適用的國家豁免規則或政策。
二、關於香港特別行政區終審法院提請解釋的第(2)個問題。依照《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第十三條第一款和本解釋第一條的規定，中央人民政府有權決定在香港特別行政區適用的國家豁免規則或政策；依照《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第十九條和本解釋第三條的規定，香港特別行政區法院對中央人民政府決定國家豁免規則或政策的行為無管轄權。因此，香港特別行政區法院在審理案件時遇有外國國家及其財產管轄豁免和執行豁免問題，須適用和實施中央人民政府決定適用於香港特別行政區的國家豁免規則或政策。基於上述，根據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第十三條第一款和第十九條的規定，香港特別行政區，包括香港特別行政區法院，有責任適用或實施中央人民政府決定採取的國家豁免規則或政策，不得偏離上述規則或政策，也不得採取與上述規則或政策不同的規則。
三、關於香港特別行政區終審法院提請解釋的第(3)個問題。國家豁免涉及一國法院對外國國家及其財產是否擁有管轄權，外國國家及其財產在一國法院是否享有豁免，直接關係到該國的對外關係和國際權利與義務。因此，決定國家豁免規則或政策是一種涉及外交的國家行為。基於上述，《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第十九條第三款規定的“國防、外交等國家行為”包括中央人民政府決定國家豁免規則或政策的行為。
四、關於香港特別行政區終審法院提請解釋的第(4)個問題。依照《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第八條和第一百六十條的規定，香港原有法律只有在不抵觸《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》的情況下才予以保留。根據《全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於根據〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉第一百六十條處理香港原有法律的決定》第四條的規定，採用為香港特別行政區法律的香港原有法律，自1997年7月1日起，在適用時，應作出必要的變更、適應、限制或例外，以符合中華人民共和國對香港恢復行使主權後香港的地位和《基本法》的有關規定。香港特別行政區作為中華人民共和國一個享有高度自治權的地方行政區域，直轄於中央人民政府，必須執行中央人民政府決定的國家豁免規則或政策。香港原有法律中有關國家豁免的規則必須符合上述規定才能在1997年7月1日後繼續適用。基於上述，根據《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法》第十三條第一款和第十九條的規定，依照《全國人民代表大會常務委員會關於根據〈中華人民共和國香港特別行政區基本法〉第一百六十條處理香港原有法律的決定》採用為香港特別行政區法律的香港原有法律中有關國家豁免的規則，從1997年7月1日起，在適用時，須作出必要的變更、適應、限制或例外，以符合中央人民政府決定採取的國家豁免規則或政策。
現予公告。