Qiao Xiaoyang, in an article analyzing the political relationship between China and Hong Kong, argues that although the PRC Constitution respects the initiative and enthusiasm of local authorities, the central authority of the PRC still provides the unified leadership for all ChinaÆs provinces and special regions. Thus, Xiaoyang contends that the relationship between the PRC and the HKSAR remains a unitary relationship with sovereignty residing in the central organs of the state. The powers enjoyed by the HKSAR are not inherent to the HKSAR, but rather are bestowed upon the HKSAR by the central authorities in the PRC. Thus, Xiaoyang likens the relationship between the PRC and the HKSAR as ôtantamount to that of the central authorities with various provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government

Chief Executive TungÆs refusal to withdraw the anti-subversion bill despite the massive demonstrations against it suggest that the PRC remains mindful of the limits on the HKSARÆs autonomy. The demonstrations, however, also suggest that Hong Kong residents intend to guard that autonomy zealously. This inherent tension in the ôone country, two systemö policy will likely lead to more demonstrations in the coming years as the PRC attempts to press its authority and Hong Kong residents guard their rights.

Xiaoyang argues that the unitary relationship between China and Hong Kong means that Chinese central authorities retain full sovereignty over the HKSAR. However, the PRC took into account the ways in which Hong KongÆs history differed from that of the PRC to draft a Basic Law that would facilitate the social stability and economic development of Hong Kong. The resulting Law, therefore, authorizes the HKSAR to exercise a high degree of autonomy in certain domestic areas. In particular, Article 12 of the Basic Law provides that ô[t]he Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be a local administrative region of the PeopleÆs Republic of China, which shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy and come directly under the Central PeopleÆs Governmentö (Basic Law of HKSAR, Art. 12). Thus, as Xiaoyang notes, the HKSAR is empowered to administer its domestic executive, legislative and judicial affairs with minimal interference from the PRC central authorities (Basic Law of HKSAR, Arts. 15-17). As a result, in some ways, Hong Kong operates as a semi-autonomous state with the PRC as its governing, central authority, which further explains why the relationship is considered ôunitaryö or ôone country.ö

Despite the recognition of the ôtwo systems,ö however, the unitary relationship between Hong Kon