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Special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China

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Title: Special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China  
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Subject: Administrative divisions of China, Territory (subdivision)
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Special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China

Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China
Regiões Administrativas Especiais da República Popular da China
 -  Total 1,133.5 km2
438 sq mi
 -  estimate 7,630,000

This article is part of the series:
Administrative divisions of China

History of the political divisions of China

The Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China (SAR) are autonomous territories that fall within the sovereignty of the People's Republic of China, which do not, however, form part of Mainland China. The legal basis for the establishment of SARs, unlike the administrative divisions of Mainland China, is provided for by Article 31, rather than Article 30, of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China of 1982. Article 31 reads: "The state may establish special administrative regions when necessary.[1][2][3] The systems to be instituted in special administrative regions shall be prescribed by law enacted by the National People's Congress in the light of the specific conditions".[4]

At present, there are two SARs, namely the Hong Kong SAR and the Macau SAR, former British and Portuguese dependencies,[5] transferred to China in 1997 and 1999 pursuant to the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 and the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration of 1987 respectively. Pursuant to their Joint Declarations, which are binding inter-state treaties registered with the United Nations, and their Basic Laws, the Chinese SARs "shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy."[6]



List of special administrative regions

Special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China[7]
Name Chinese (T) Chinese (S) Pinyin Postal map Abb. Population Area km2 ISO Admin. Division
 Hong Kong Xiānggǎng Hongkong Gǎng 7,008,900 1,104 CN-91 List
 Macau Àomén Macau Ào 546,200 30 CN-92 List


The two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau (created in 1997 and 1999 respectively) each have a codified constitution called Basic Law.[5] The law provides the regions with a high degree of autonomy, a separate political system, and a capitalist economy under the principle of "one country, two systems" proposed by Deng Xiaoping.[5]

High degree of autonomy

Currently, the two SARs of Hong Kong and Macau are responsible for all affairs except those regarding diplomatic relations and national defense.[8] Consequently, the National People's Congress authorizes the SAR to exercise a high degree of autonomy and enjoy executive, legislative and independent judicial power,[9] and each with their own Courts of Final Appeal.[10]

External affairs


Defence and military

The People's Liberation Army is garrisoned in both SARs. PRC authorities have said the PLA will not be allowed to interfere with the local affairs of Hong Kong and Macau, and must abide by its laws.[12] In 1988, scholar Chen Fang of the Academy of Military Science even tried to propose the "One military, two systems" concept to separate the defence function and public functions in the army.[12] The PLA does not participate in the governance of the SAR but the SAR may request them for civil-military participation, in times of emergency such as natural disasters. Defence is the responsibility of the PRC government.[8]

A 1996 draft PRC law banned People's Liberation Army-run businesses in HK, but loopholes allow them to operate while the profits are ploughed back into the military.[12] There are many PLA-run corporations in Hong Kong. The PLA also have sizable land-holdings in Hong Kong worth billions of dollars.[12]

Immigration and nationality


  • born in the SAR;




Offer to Taiwan and other ROC-controlled areas

The status of a special administrative region for Taiwan and other areas controlled by the Republic of China was first proposed in 1981.[5] The 1981 proposal was put forth by Ye Jianying called "Ye's nine points" (葉九條).[13] A series of different offers have since appeared. On June 25, 1983 Deng Xiaoping appeared at Seton Hall University in the US to propose "Deng's six points" (鄧六條), which called for a "Taiwan Special Administrative Region" (台灣特別行政區).[13] It was envisioned that after Taiwan's unification with the PRC as an SAR, the PRC would become the sole representative of China.[13] Under this proposal, Taiwan would be guaranteed its own military,[13] its own administrative and legislative powers, an independent judiciary and the right of adjudication, although it would not be considered a separate government of China.[13] While there would be minimal interference[dubious ] by the PRC in Taiwan's political system, there may be representatives from the Taiwan SAR[dubious ] that would be appointed to the central government in Beijing by the Taiwan SAR.

In 2005 the Anti-Secession Law of the PRC was enacted. It promises the lands currently ruled by the Republic of China a high degree of autonomy, among other things.[14] The PRC can also employ non-peaceful means and other necessary measures to defend its claims to sovereignty over the ROC's territories from Taiwanese independence activists.[14]

See also

People's Republic of China portal


