Hong Kong Basic Law

The Hong Kong Basic Law is a constitutional document that serves as the mini-constitution for Hong Kong, established when it transitioned from British to Chinese rule in 1997. It outlines the region's legal framework, ensuring a "one country, two systems" principle, which allows Hong Kong to maintain its own legal and economic systems separate from mainland China for 50 years. The Basic Law guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, outlines the structure of the government, and specifies the relationship between Hong Kong and the Chinese central government, aiming to balance local autonomy with national sovereignty.