One country, two systems

Quick Facts: Who was One country, two systems?

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One country, two systems

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A PRC constitutional principle governing Hong Kong and Macau's high autonomy post-reunification.

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Origins & Early Life

"One country, two systems" (1C2S) is a constitutional principle of the People's Republic of China (PRC) describing the governance of the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau. Deng Xiaoping developed the one country, two systems concept. This constitutional principle was formulated in the early 1980s during negotiations over Hong Kong between China and the United Kingdom. It provided that there would be only one China, but that each region would retain its own economic and administrative system. Under the principle, each of the two regions could continue to have its own governmental system, legal, economic and financial affairs, including trade relations with foreign countries, all of which are independent from those of the mainland.

Career & Major Achievements

The PRC has also proposed to apply the principle toward unification with Taiwan; however, Taiwan has consistently rejected the proposal. Deng Xiaoping developed the principle of one country, two systems in relation to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Hong Kong and Macau had been colonised by European powers and Taiwan remained under Kuomintang control at the end of the Chinese Civil War. According to Radio Free Asia, the theoretical framework for the "one country, two systems" principle for Hong Kong was first developed by Wang Huning and Wang Bangzuo in an unpublished article in the early 1980s. Hong Kong was a colony of the United Kingdom, ruled by a governor appointed by the monarch of the United Kingdom, for 156 years from 1841 (except for four years of Japanese occupation during WWII) until 1997, when it was handed over to the Chinese government.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In discussing Hong Kong's future, Deng described the risk of possible instability which might be caused by what he termed as destructive forces both inside and outside Hong Kong. In Deng's view, these destructive forces might create instability both prior to and after Hong Kong's return to China. Deng repeatedly stressed that the central government would need to intervene in Hong Kong affairs from time-to-time. Among other occasions, Deng told Hong Kong delegates to Beijing in 1984 that certain interventions would be necessary, that when turmoil occurs in Hong Kong the central government should intervene, and that it would be necessary to see if interventions would be in the interests of Hong Kongers and Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. In 1988, Deng stated that Hong Kong's political system was neither the British nor American systems and Hong Kong should not import Western political systems in the future.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1841: 1841 Milestone — Hong Kong was a colony of the United Kingdom, ruled by a governor appointed by the monarch of the United Kingdom, for 156 years from 1841 (except for four years of Japanese occupation during WWII) until 1997, when it was handed over to the Chinese government.
2. 1984: 1984 Milestone — Among other occasions, Deng told Hong Kong delegates to Beijing in 1984 that certain interventions would be necessary, that when turmoil occurs in Hong Kong the central government should intervene, and that it would be necessary to see if interventions would be in the interests of Hong Kongers and Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.
3. 1988: 1988 Milestone — In 1988, Deng stated that Hong Kong's political system was neither the British nor American systems and Hong Kong should not import Western political systems in the future.

Notable Quotes by One country, two systems

“The socialist system and policies shall not be practiced in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the previous capitalist system and way of life shall remain unchanged for 50 years.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: One country, two systems

True or False: “The 'One Country, Two Systems' principle was initially proposed to apply universally to all regions under Chinese governance.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While Deng Xiaoping proposed its applicability to Taiwan, the core constitutional framework and initial negotiations focused specifically on Hong Kong and Macau.

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Frequently Asked Questions about One country, two systems