Applicability of the One Country, Two Systems Hong Kong Model to Taiwan: Will Hong Kong's Post-Reversion Autonomy, Accountability, and Human Rights Record Discourage Taiwan's Reunification with the People's Republic of China

Abstract

From Hong Kong's perspective, there is not "One Country, Two Systems," but perhaps "One Country, One and One-Half Systems" (with emphasis on the "One Country"). The Mainland's authoritarian, non-democratic sys- tem is creeping across the border, diluting Hong Kong's more liberal system that China promised would remain intact. Though Taiwan has not embraced the "One Country, Two Systems" model, it has not ruled out a reunification, under modified terms. Therefore, Taiwan is closely studying the Hong Kong reversion, assess- ing carefully the experiment's "success" or lack thereof, particularly as the definition of "success" differs, based on one's perspective. Does the Hong Kong model, as applied, remain inappropriate to Taiwan? What lessons are to be learned from Hong Kong's perception that the model has failed? Should Taiwan harbour skepticism? Should Taiwan distrust the PRC's ability or willingness to honour any Taiwan bargain? Part II of this paper will define the "One Country, Two Systems" model? Part III will address Taiwan's arguments that significant differ- ences exist between Hong Kong and Taiwan to render the "One Coun- try, Two Systems" model inapplicable to Taiwan.4 Part IV will focus on the PRC's contention that the "One Country, Two Systems" model as applied to Hong Kong has been a "success."' Part V will discuss how the "One Country, Two Systems" model as applied to Hong Kong has failed from a Hong Kong perspective. Part VI concludes that the "One Country, Two Systems" model as applied to Hong Kong will prove inadequate for Taiwan. Taiwan's history, geography, and political realities render the model unsuitable for Taiwan.