CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION
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 CPG authorises the HKSAR to conduct relevant external affairs on its own in accordance with this law.
Since reunification, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) has established effective communications with relevant departments of the MFA Office in handling the external affairs of the HKSAR. Both parties are committed to close co-operation and working in strict accordance with the Basic Law.
In more specific terms, contacts between the HKSARG and the MFA Office relate in the main to the following areas:
(a)
(b)
(c)
participation
participation in international organisations and conferences where necessary, the approval of the CPG will be sought in accordance with the Basic Law. For instance, CPG approval will be required if the HKSAR wishes to join an international organisation limited to states as an observer (BL 152);
negotiation and conclusion of international agreements with foreign states and regions
where necessary, the CPG's authorisation will be obtained in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law. For example, specific CPG authorisation will be required for the negotiation and conclusion of Air Services Agreements with foreign states (BL 133); and matters relating to the establishment of consular missions in the HKSAR. Foreign affairs issues, such as the establishment and abolition of consular representation (BL 157), consular appointments and the granting of privileges and immunities are handled by the MFA Office. The HKSARG is responsible for the day-to-day management of consular corps, such as the issue of consular identity cards, actual provision of privileges and immunities and ensuring the security of consular premises.
HKSAR's External Affairs
Hong Kong, as before, plays an active role in the international arena and maintains close contact with its international partners.
After reunification, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law, the HKSARG concluded 38 bilateral agreements with foreign states, including 16 on air services, four on overflight, five on visa abolition, 12 on reciprocal juridical assistance, and one on investment promotion and protection. The HKSARG also obtained the CPG's authorisation for the conclusion of another 18 bilateral agreements, including eight on air services, five on overflight, and five on reciprocal juridical assistance. More than 200 multilateral international agreements have been applied to the HKSAR, and they have been implemented by way of local legislation as necessary.
Representatives of the HKSARG using the name 'Hong Kong, China' participated in more than 2 600 international conferences not limited to states, including those organised by the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), Pacific Economic Co- operation Council (PECC), World Trade Organisation (WTO), International Maritime Organisation (IMO), World Customs Organisation (WCO), World
21