
FADE IN.
INT. SWIMMING POOL - DAY
Staring at his phone screen, PETER walks towards a beach chair.
PETER
This Quora question is
worth serious consideration:
What will happen to Hong
Kong in 2047 when its
autonomy agreement with
China expires?
Peter swims leisurely in the pool, thinking.
PETER (V.O.)
If I'm fortunate enough
to see that happen...
The current Hong Kong
situation is like a retreat.
Hong Kong can turn
around quick with greater
strength.
EXT. HONG KONG-SHENZHEN BORDER - DAY
Getting off a train, Peter crosses the border.
PETER (V.O.)
Everything can be smooth.
INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
With visual aids, Peter speaks to the AUDIENCE in a dynamic fashion.
PETER
My vision is to establish
an IP- backed capital
market within the Greater
Bay area. I'm working on
it. I anticipate that it will
happen within the next
four years.
Conference ends. Two LADIES (30s) come to chat with Peter.
LADY#1
I feel you're different.
But I couldn't quite
follow...
Peter nods.
PETER
That's natural. I was
sharing my dream...
LADY#1
When I get good IP
for securitization, I'll
contact you...
Peter nods.
EXT. MTR - NIGHT
Peter is glued to his phone screen.
PETER (V.O.)
Just the serious thoughts
about what Hong Kong
will be like by 2047-2049
make me happy. I reckon
there won't be much change-
except change for the better.
Peter types diligently. We see from the phone screen the following-
What will happen to Hong Kong in 2047 when its autonomy agreement with China expires?
Legal
Obligation discharged. China's international legal obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration 1984 ends on July 1, 2047.
Strict application. As a matter of strict treaty law, the rights secured under the Joint Declaration should not be diluted before July 1, 2047.
Transition-in. As China's Hong Kong-transition-in should only begin from July 1, 2047, there is a need for China to allow for a transitioning period beforehand.
Political & Civil
China's centenary. As it shall celebrate its centenary on October 1, 2049, China will allow Hong Kong a 2-year transition for some changes until June 30, 2049.
Autonomous Region. Consistent with the China Constitution, the existing status of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region will continue post 2047.
China vision 2050. As China aims to stand tall in the world by 2050, China's institutional developments by 2049 should be on par with Hong Kong ones.
Human Rights. All the international human rights instruments applicable to Hong Kong will continue to apply in Hong Kong post 2047.
International representation. Other than foreign and defence matters, Hongkongers will head some China delegations to international conferences post 2047.
Brand new. A brand new Hong Kong 2049, practising democratic capitalism rather than socialist capitalism, will be deployed as China's bait to Taiwan to reunite.
Voluntary conscription. From 2047, 18-year old Hongkongers will be given preferential treatment if they sign up for China's military service.
Economic & Social
WTO status. Hong Kong's autonomous WTO status, as a separate customs territory, will remain post 2047, as it will still be of strategic world trade value to China.
Tax and capital. Hong Kong will maintain its edge as a tax haven with no or low tax for foreigners, and the practice of free flow of capital will remain post 2047.
Shenzhen-Hong Kong border. Customs reasons aside, the physical border will remain so as to restrict mainlanders flowing into Hong Kong post 2047.
Commercial transactions. For private international commercial transactions, the common law in Hong Kong will continue to apply post 2047.
Official languages. Chinese and English will continue to be the official languages of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region post 2047.
Greater Bay Area. Within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, there will not be any visible economic and social difference among them by 2047.
Intellectual Property (IP) hub. By 2047, Hong Kong will maintain its lead as the world's IP trading and financing hub, exploiting all creativity and innovation.
After re-reading his draft, Peter smiles.
PETER (V.O.)
If I could not live to 93-95,
I'll treat that as my Hong
Kong 2047-2049!
FADE OUT.
THE END