Why Taiwan Is Not Hong Kong: A Review of the PRC's "One Country Two Systems" Model for Reunification with Taiwan

Authors

Sean Cooney

Abstract

This article critically examines the "One Country Two Systems" model (OCTS) developed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) for achieving the reunification of Taiwan. The model is in many respects the same as that already applied in Hong Kong. The PRC promises that under OCTS, the Taiwanese will enjoy a "high degree of autonomy", be "masters in their own house" and maintain their way of life. However, in contrast to the people of Hong Kong, who have never enjoyed full democracy, the Taiwanese have achieved a much greater degree of autonomy and accountability than is possible under OCTS. The OCTS model cannot herefore deliver what it promises. The Article demonstrates this by comparing OCTS as elaborated in the Basic Law of Hong Kong with the current constitutional and political arrangements in Taiwan.

First Page

497

Recommended Citation

Sean Cooney, Why Taiwan Is Not Hong Kong: A Review of the PRC's "One Country Two Systems" Model for Reunification with Taiwan, 6 Pac. Rim L & Pol'y J. 497 (1997).
Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.uw.edu/wilj/vol6/iss3/2