Video On Demand

Online Event: China's Power: Up for Debate 2020 - Debate 2

November 24, 2020 • 9:00 – 10:15 am EST

Proposition: “One country, two systems” in Hong Kong is dead.

The China Power Project will host its fifth annual conference as a series of five live online debates. The second debate will take place on November 24 and will feature two experts debating the following proposition: “One country, two systems” in Hong Kong is dead.

When Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997​, its people were promised that they would continue to enjoy a high degree of autonomy under the “one country, two systems” formula for at least 50 years. However, the Chinese government passed a National Security Law for Hong Kong in June 2020, which grants Beijing unprecedented powers over the city. The passing of this law has led some to question whether “one country, two systems” remains intact.

Daniel Russel, Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) and former Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, will argue that “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong is dead. Regina Ip, legislator and member of Hong Kong's Executive Council, will argue that “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong is still alive.

Each debate features pre- and post-event polls. For more information and to cast your vote for or against a proposition, follow @ChinaPowerCSIS on Twitter.

This event is made possible by generous support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Regina Ip

Legislator and Member of Hong Kong’s Executive Council

Daniel Russel

Vice President, International Security and Diplomacy, the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI); former Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs

Bonnie S. Glaser