Who may participate in negotiations affecting Hong Kong at the diplomatic level?

The participation in negotiations affecting Hong Kong at the diplomatic level is restricted primarily to members of the Hong Kong government. This is because international relations and negotiations fall under the jurisdiction of the Chief Executive and designated officials within the government, reflecting the structure established by the Basic Law of Hong Kong.

According to Article 13 of the Basic Law, the Central People’s Government is responsible for foreign affairs, and it delegates certain powers to the local government, particularly regarding matters that do not require direct intervention from Beijing. This means that only official representatives of the Hong Kong government are authorized to engage in diplomatic negotiations, ensuring a consistent and orderly approach to how Hong Kong interacts with other entities on an international platform.

Local businesses, general public representatives, and foreign delegates do not have formal roles in these particular negotiations, as they lack the legal authority and governmental mandate to engage in diplomatic matters on behalf of Hong Kong. The separation of powers established in the Basic Law underscores the significance of having recognized government officials conducting such negotiations to maintain compliance with national policies and the overarching principles of "one country, two systems."