economic field. This section envisages the continued application to Hong Kong of a very large number of international agreements and Hong Kong's participation in international bodies under such
agreements. It provides for continuity of representation by foreign states and organisations currently represented in Hong Kong, subject to the approval of the Central People's Government.
Section XII: Defence, Security and Public Order
The key points in this section are that the maintenance of public
order will be the SAR Government's responsibility; and that forces
sent by the Central People's Government to be stationed in Hong Kong
will not interfere in the SAR's internal affairs.
Section XIII: Rights and Freedoms
This section makes clear that persons in the Hong Kong SAR will
enjoy the same protection under the law against infringements of
their basic rights as they did before the establishment of the SAR.
It states inter alia that the provisions of the International
Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights, as applied to Hong Kong, will continue to apply to
the SAR.
Section XIV: Right of Abode, Travel Documents and Immigration
The purpose of this section is to provide for a high degree of
continuity in these matters in ways consistent with the change in
Hong Kong's status on 1 July 1997. It makes clear that the right to
leave Hong Kong for any purpose, such as business, study or
emigration, shall be maintained.