Hong Kong 2005: Changes in Leadership and Issues for Congress

Publication Date: July 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Type:

Coverage: Hong Kong (China)

Abstract:

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has recently recovered from an economic downturn and the SARS virus outbreak of 2002-2003 which crippled trade and tourism. There has also been a major change in top government personnel, with the former Chief Executive, Tung Chee-Hwa, being replaced by Donald Tsang as the new Chief Executive of Hong Kong. The next major issue to be addressed in Hong Kong is the pace of further democratization and the extent to which the next elections for the Legislative Counsel will be based on direct elections of all seats or a larger portion thereof. Hong Kong continues to participate productively and constructively in numerous multi-lateral fora encompassing economic, security, and trade issues.

Hong Kong maintains an active and independent voice in organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Interpol, and the Financial Action Task Force. In addition, Hong Kong has to date been a very proactive partner with the United States in the Container Security Initiative (CSI) and continues to support anti-terrorism efforts through its lawenforcement and anti-money laundering efforts.

The rule of law and the existence of an independent judiciary remain the main foundations of Hong Kong's vibrant economy. The legal system of Hong Kong also provides a model for the Mainland in regards to legal reforms and resources for the institution building necessary for such reforms to take root and hold.

Freedom of speech, religion, press, association, and assembly continue to be respected and defended in Hong Kong with few exceptions. Those exceptions that do arise are viewed by some observers as a result of pressure from Beijing on politically sensitive topics such as the Falun Gong, challenges to Chinese sovereignty, and the reach of democratic reforms. There have also been numerous allegations and rumors of "self-censorship" in the press, though this is mostly anecdotal. Some members of the press and broadcast media perceive retaliation for highly critical editorials or unfavorable news reports by the alleged threat of withholding advertising revenues and access to government officials.

For further information on this subject see the following Congressional Research Service products: CRS Report RS20786, Hong Kong-U.S. Economic Relations, CRS Report RL30895, Hong Kong's Ongoing Transition: Implications of Chinese Sovereignty in 2001, and CRS Report 97-311, Hong Kong's Reversion to China: Problems and Remedies for the United States. This report will not be updated.