One country, two systems” been a success for Hong Kong

Two systems” has worked better than many expected. Hong Kong remains distinct. It is the most prosperous part of China and also the most free. China has largely kept out of Hong Kong’s affairs while at the same time benefiting from its dynamic capitalism. The People’s Liberation Army remains confined to barracks, except for ceremonial parades such as one Mr Xi will inspect this weekend. Hong Kongers have far more democratic rights than other Chinese citizens. Its courts are still respected internationally, its media are lively and political protest is tolerated in ways unthinkable on the mainland

Yet in recent years, China has seemed less committed to the formulation. As Hong Kong becomes economically less important to the overall Chinese economy, the central government has become more assertive. Beijing is furious that Hong Kong’s system has allowed “localist” politicians who advocate self-determination to be voted into power. Hardliners treat the territory as a political threat and like to remind Hong Kong that its autonomy is delegated by China’s parliament. The central government’s representatives in Hong Kong have become more visible and democrats complain about ever-more-blatant attempts by China to manipulate elections. Lawyers fear an erosion of judicial independence as China “interprets” the Basic Law to suit its own political needs, most recently by removing two localists from power. Joshua Wong, one of Hong Kong’s most high-profile pro-democracy activists—who, along with several others was arrested at a protest hours before Mr Xi's arrival—claims that confidence in “one country, two systems” has been replaced by the fear of it becoming “one country, 1.5 systems