[LINK] "Hong Kong’s status: ‘one country, two systems’ only in theory"

[rfmcdonald]

I've written in the past about the interesting phenomenon of Québec's development of its own foreign policy, oriented towards supporting immigration, trade, and connections with other Francophone polities not least of which is France. Now, Frank Ching in the Globe and Mail provides an interesting comparison by looking at the case of Hong Kong, almost entirely self-governing and with a certain profile on the international stage but still, dependent on China.

According to the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution enacted by the Chinese Parliament, Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy while the central government is responsible for defence and foreign affairs.

However, even where foreign affairs are concerned, Hong Kong is allowed to develop economic, trade, financial and monetary, shipping, communications, tourism, cultural and sports relations with other countries.

It is also a member of the World Trade Organization. In fact, it became a member much earlier than China. It is also a member of the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation forum and the Asian Development Bank.

[. . . W]when 15 Hong Kong residents were held hostage in Manila on Aug. 23 by fired policeman Rolando Mendoza, chief executive Donald Tsang was not able even to get through on the telephone to Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. Mr. Tsang had wanted to urge Mr. Aquino to give top priority to the safety of the hostages.

At a Sept. 9 press conference, Mr. Aquino likened the chief executive to a provincial governor and said, “If a Philippine governor suddenly demands to speak with President Obama or Hu Jintao, that would probably not be allowed.”

China did come through for Hong Kong, but this incident just highlights the city-state's dependence.

[E]ven if there is no constitutional obstacle to Hong Kong’s dealing directly with foreign governments, there are practical problems.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has several hundred diplomatic missions around the world, while Hong Kong has economic and trade offices in only about 10 countries. Thus, Hong Kong has little choice but to work through the ministry, which has the resources to provide aid in case of emergencies. And most Hong Kong residents, after all, are Chinese nationals whom the Chinese government has an obligation to protect.