Which one of the following became a part of China in 1997 following the principle of ‘one country, two systems’?
Hong Kong
Understanding 'One Country, Two Systems' and Hong Kong's Return to China in 1997
The question asks about a region that became part of China in 1997 under the principle of 'one country, two systems'. This principle was proposed by Deng Xiaoping in the early 1980s. It suggests that while there is only one China, areas like Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan could have their own separate economic and administrative systems, while the rest of mainland China operates under socialism.
Hong Kong's History and the 1997 Handover
Hong Kong had been a British colony since the mid-19th century. The lease on the New Territories, the largest part of Hong Kong, was set to expire in 1997. Negotiations between the United Kingdom and China led to the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984. This agreement stipulated that the UK would transfer sovereignty over all of Hong Kong (including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories) to China on July 1, 1997.
Under the 'one country, two systems' framework agreed upon, Hong Kong would become a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. It would maintain a high degree of autonomy, except in defence and foreign affairs. This included its own legal system, currency, customs territory, and rights and freedoms for at least 50 years after the handover.
Identifying the Region from the Options
Let's look at the provided options:
- Tibet: Tibet's political status relative to China has a long and complex history, but it did not become part of China in 1997 under the 'one country, two systems' principle. It was incorporated into the People's Republic of China earlier.
- Hong Kong: As discussed, Hong Kong was a British colony whose sovereignty was transferred to China on July 1, 1997, operating under the 'one country, two systems' principle as a Special Administrative Region.
- Xinjiang: Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is an administrative division in Northwest China. Like Tibet, its integration into the PRC occurred earlier and not under the 'one country, two systems' framework applied to former colonies/territories with distinct legal/economic systems like Hong Kong or Macau.
- Inner Mongolia: Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is also a provincial-level division of China, established in 1947 within the PRC framework. It was not a territory transferred in 1997 under the 'one country, two systems' model.
Based on historical facts and the application of the 'one country, two systems' principle to the return of formerly administered territories, Hong Kong is the correct answer.
Conclusion
The region that became a part of China in 1997 following the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ is Hong Kong.
Revision Table: Status of Regions Mentioned
| Region | Status Relative to China | Became Part of China in 1997? | Under 'One Country, Two Systems'? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tibet | Autonomous Region within PRC | No | No |
| Hong Kong | Special Administrative Region (SAR) of PRC | Yes (July 1, 1997) | Yes |
| Xinjiang | Autonomous Region within PRC | No | No |
| Inner Mongolia | Autonomous Region within PRC | No | No |
Additional Information: The 'One Country, Two Systems' Principle
The 'one country, two systems' principle is a constitutional concept formulated to facilitate the reunification of China. It was successfully applied to the handovers of Hong Kong (from the UK in 1997) and Macau (from Portugal in 1999). The core idea is to allow these regions to retain their existing capitalist economies, independent judiciaries, and aspects of their political systems, while being under the sovereignty of the socialist People's Republic of China.
The principle is most notably enshrined in the Basic Laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region, which serve as mini-constitutions for these areas.
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