TNAG-1602-FCO40-2198-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1987 — Page 91

CCBL-SG/CES/RDI-01-PRO1-870311(E)

Introduction

th

The booming mass communication business is one of characteristics of the present Hong Kong society. There ar many kinds of publications and newspapers available in the market. Internationally, Hong Kong is recognized as a place where freedom of speech and freedom of the press are enjoyed. However, with the signing of the Joint Declaration between China and the U.K., the sovereignty of Hong Kong will be reverted to China after 1997. Despite China's affirmation that Hong Kong's capitalist system will remain unchanged for 50 years and China will implement the policy of one country two systems. many people show concern about whether the present press freedom can be maintained after 1997. They want to find a way to enable Hong Kong to maintain the freedom of the press under the one country two systems policy. Through the Basic Law, it is hoped that the previous press freedom can be safeguarded.

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2.1

2.2

Provisions under the Joint Declaration

Para. 3 (3) of the Joint Declaration:

"The laws currently in force in Hong Kong will remain basically unchanged. "

Para. 5 of the Joint Declaration:

"The current social and economic systems in Hong Kong will remain unchanged, and so will the life-style. Rights and freedoms. including those of the person. of speech, of the press...

will be ensured by law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region."

2.3

Section II of Annex I

to

the Joint Declaration:

"The

laws of the Hong Kong

2.4

2.5

Administrative Region shall be the Basic Law, and the laws previously in force in Hong Kong and laws enacted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region legislature as above."

Section III of Annex I to the Joint Declaration:

"The courts shall decide cases in accordance with the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and may refer to precedents in other common law jurisdictions.

Section II of Annex I to the Joint Declaration:

"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

shall maintain the rights and freedoms 83 the laws previously in force in Hong Kong,

of the person, of speech, of the press

Government provided for

including

by

freedom

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