Which document must newly appointed officials swear to uphold?

Newly appointed officials in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are required to swear allegiance to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This legal framework serves as the constitutional document for Hong Kong, outlining the region’s governance, rights, and responsibilities. It embodies the principles of “one country, two systems,” establishing the relationship between the Central People's Government and the Hong Kong government.

Swearing to uphold the Basic Law ensures that officials commit to its provisions, which include the protection of rights and freedoms, as well as the obligations imposed on the government to operate within the confines of this law. This underscores the fundamental legal and institutional framework governing Hong Kong, reflecting its unique status as a Special Administrative Region.

While the other documents mentioned have their own significance, the Basic Law specifically serves as the foundational legal text that governs the operation and administration of the Hong Kong government and thus is the correct document for newly appointed officials to pledge allegiance to. The Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the National Security Law also play important roles, but it is the Basic Law that establishes the core legal obligations for officials within Hong Kong's unique governmental structure. The Hong Kong Bill of Rights, while important for ensuring individual freedoms, does not encompass the full spectrum of governance obligations