Application and Conclusion of Treaties in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China: Sixteen Years of Practice

The establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China (Hong Kong SAR) on 1 July 1997 has aroused great interest in the international community. In accordance with Article 31 of the Constitution of the Peoples Republic of China and the relevant provisions of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, and under the principle of One Country, Two Systems, the Hong Kong SAR may practise different economic, social and legal systems from the mainland, and may also exercise a high degree of autonomy, including in handling relevant external affairs. The application and conclusion of treaties, as an important aspect of the Hong Kong SARs external affairs, creates a unique and innovative model, enriching the substance and practice of international treaty law.