Administrative division

System of administrative division

The present administrative division of China owns three basic levels: provinces, districts and corners.

1) All the country is divided in independent provinces, regions and municipalities directly subordinated to the central Power;

2) The independent provinces and regions are divided in independent prefectures, independent districts, districts and municipalities;

3) The independent districts and districts are divided in corners, ethnic and populated corners.

The municipalities directly subordinated to the central Power and the relatively great municipalities are subdivided in urban and suburban districts. The independent prefectures subdivide in districts and independent districts. The independent regions, the independent prefectures and the independent districts are places of ethnic autonomy.

According to the Constitution, when it is necessary, the State can establish special administrative regions, that are subordinate local administrative regions directly to the central Government.

At present, in all the country there are 23 provinces, 5 independent regions, 4 municipalities directly subordinated to the central Power and two special administrative regions.

Annex: Independent provinces, regions, municipalities directly subordinated to the central Power and special administrative regions

Province of Taiwan

Taiwan is in the sea to the south-east of the Chinese continent. By the east the Pacific Ocean bathes; by the west it separates of the province of Fujian the Straits of Taiwan. It includes the next island of his name, islands, and the Penghu islands. Altogether, they are more than 80 islands, covering a surface with 36,000 km ².

Taiwan was called in the antiquity Yizhou and Liuqiu. Great amount of books of history and old documents describes how the Chinese of those times operated these earth. The Chinese Government of the different times established administrative organisms in Taiwan exerting the administrative power on the island. The development of the society of Taiwan always has followed the tradition cultural of the Chinese nation, fundamental situation that it did not modify nor in the 50 years of Japanese occupation. In 1945, the town gained the victory in the War of Resistance against Japan and the Chinese Government reestablished the administrative organisms of the province of Taiwan. In 1949, on the eve of the foundation of the People's Republic of China, the authorities of the Guomindang retired of the continent towards the island and they intrenched there. In 1950 the Korean War exploded and in the same United States period Seventh Fleet almost sent his to invade and to occupy Taiwan and the Straits of Taiwan. In the 1954 United States and the Taiwanese authorities signed the “Treaty of Joint defense”, being created a situation of separation between Taiwan and the native continent.

The Government of the People's Republic of China has done prolonged and sharps efforts to provide a solution to the problem of Taiwan and to reach the reunification of the mother country. With the visit from North American President Richard Nixon to China, in February of 1972, China and the United States they published the “Official notice of Shanghai” and 1º of January of 1979 they established diplomatic relations officially. The United States recognized that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the unique legitimate government of China and that Taiwan is a part of China, and declared “to break the diplomatic relations” with the authorities of Taiwan, to suppress the “Treaty of Joint defense” and to withdraw of Taiwan their. In such historical conditions, the Chinese Government, considering the interests and the future of all the nation and country, being based on the principles to respect history and to grant importance to the present reality, to look for the truth in the facts and to take care of the interests of the diverse parts, formulated the fundamental principle of “pacific reunification, and a country, two systems”. The basic points of this principle and other concerning policies are:

It is pleaded for the pacific reunification, without committing itself for that reason to resign to the use of the force; the personal communications and the economic, cultural interchanges are promoted actively and of another type between both borders of the Straits with a view to establishing among them direct services of navigation, commercial postal and as rapidly as possible; the reunification will be materialized by means of pacific negotiations in which any subject of the principle of a China will be able to be discussed within the framework; once obtained the reunification, the principle of “a country, two systems” will be applied, so that in the main body of China, that is to say, in the continental part, it will follow the socialist regime effective, whereas in Taiwan the original capitalist regime stays; after the reunification, Taiwan will enjoy a high degree of autonomy and the central Government will not send troops nor personal office staff to this province; the problem of Taiwan is an internal subject of China, reason why they are the Chinese who must solve it, without needing resorting to the aid of the outside. This set of principles and policies incarnates, on the one hand, the principle of a China, and, on the other, it respects totally the will of the compatriots of Taiwan to continue being owners of the island and administrators of its subjects.

From the publication of the “Message to the compatriots of Taiwan”, in occasion of the New Year of 1979, by the Permanent Committee of the National Popular Assembly, the Chinese Government put in practice the fundamental policy of “pacific reunification; and a country, two systems”, pleading for the reunification of the mother country by pacific route by means of negotiations. It proposed the direct communication both enters sides of the Straits as far as the servcicios of post office, navigation and commerce, took a series from measures to promote the development of the relations between both borders of the Straits. In the political aspect, the concerning policies have been regulated, has been stretched and modified the confrontation between both borders of the Straits, in the military aspect, the confrontation situation has been lessen, the cease-fire of artillery was realized on the Jinmen island and other islands, and the armies quartered in the coast of the province of Fujian were reduced. In the economic aspect, the door has been abierto, the welcome occurs to the comercientes of Taiwan that travel to the continental part to invest and to dedicate themselves to the commercial activities and defend really all rights and I interest legitimate. In addition, the Chinese Government has actively impelled the visits and reciprocal trips of the compatriots of both borders of the Straits, and the interchanges bilateral in the academic fields of science and technology, culture, sports, press, subjects, etc. The Association for the Relations between the Two Borders of the Straits, of the continental part, and the Foundation for the Interchanges of the Straits of Taiwan two organisms authorized of both part are, that have unfolded contacts and negotiations of current and economic character. In April of 1993 the “Wang-Koo Conversations” (Wang Daohan and Koo Chen Fu, leaders of those organisms), celebrated in Singapore, marked an important time, of historical character in the development of the relations between the two borders. In October of 1998, Koo Chen Fu visited the cities of Shanghai and Peking, and with Wang Daohan it reached an agreement of four points to develop dialogs between both organizations on the policy, the economy and other aspects.

The 30 of January of 1995, Jiang Zemin, Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China, in its important speech “We continue fighting to foment the fulfillment of the great company of the reunification of the mother country”, proposed eight points to develop the relations between both coasts of the Straits of Taiwan and to drive the process of the reunification of the mother country by pacific means in the present stage:

1. To adhere at the beginning of a single China is previous requisite base and to make reality the reunification by pacific means. It is not allowed, absolutely, to divide to the sovereignty and the territory of China. Any attempt, of word or work, to create “independence of Taiwan” must be rejected with firmness. “To divide the country and to govern under different regimes”, “two Chinese during certain time”, or propose of the sort, go against the principle of “a China” and also they must be rejected with entereza.

2. We did not object the development of economic and cultural nongovernmental relations of Taiwan with the foreigner. Under the principle of “a China” and being based on the statutes of the international organizations, Taiwan already has been gotten up to international organizations of economic character with the name of “Taibei, China”, like the Development bank of Asia and the Council of Economic Cooperation of Asia and Pacific. But we are against to the activities conducted by Taiwan “to extend the space of international survival” destined to create “two China” and “one China and one Taiwan”. All the patriotic fellow citizens and personalities with knowledge will get to include/understand that Hindu of activities they will not be able to solve the problems to them, on the contrary will cause that the forces of the “independence of Taiwan” sabotage with greater frenzy the process of the pacific reunification. When the reunification has only been fulfilled, the Taiwanese compatriots can, along with the town of all the ethnic groups of the country, to share, in true sense and to fullness, the dignity and the honors of the great mother country in the international plane.

3. To carry out directed negotiations to realize the reunification by pacific means of both margins of the Straits is our permanent policy. During the negotiations for the reunification by pacific means it is possible to be incorporated to representative personalities of the diverse parties and groups of both margins. In the report before XIV the National Congress of the Communist Party of China, celebrated in October of 1992, it said: “Under the premise of a China, any problem with the part of Taiwan can be discussed, including the referring thing to the form like celebrating formal negotiations between both margins, to find methods that both parts consider advisable”. When saying that under the premise of “a China” any problem can be negotiated, naturally the different problems are included about which the authorities worry about Taiwan. We have proposed in reiterated occasions to open negotiations about the “official aim of the hostility between both margins and gradual fulfillment of the pacific reunification”. Here solemnly I reiterate to realize this negotiation and I propose that like a first step, both parts, under the premise of “a China”, open negotiations to conclude formally the state of enemistad and to reach an agreement. On this base, they will altogether load with the obligations to safeguard the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of China and will the future plan development of the relations between both margins of the Straits. As far as the referring thing to the name, site and it forms of the political negotiations, with so realizing the sooner consultations equally, will be possible, sooner or later, to be found acceptable solution by the one and the other part.

4. To strive to fulfill the reunification by pacific means and not to have reciprocal attacks between the same Chinese. We do not commit ourselves to leave the use of the force, but this, under no case we do, it with reference to the Taiwanese compatriots, but to face the attempts of foreign forces directed inmiscuir itself in the reunification of China and to prohijar the “independence of Taiwan”. Completely we are convinced that the compatriots of Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and residents abroad understand this position of principle our.

5. Face to the development of the world-wide economy in the 21st century, is necessary energetically to develop to the cooperation and the economic interchanges between the two margins to benefit the mutual prosperity from the economy in both sides of the Straits and to create happiness for all the Chinese nation. We pronounced ourselves so that the political divergences do not affect nor interfere with the economic cooperation between the two margins of the Straits. We will continue applying to the policy of stimulus to the investments coming from Taiwan during long time, putting in execution the Law of Protection to the Investments of the Compatriots of Taiwan of the People's Republic of China. Whatever circumstances, we will defend really all the rights and I interest legitimate of the originating investors of Taiwan. We will continue fortifying the reciprocal visits and interchanges between the compatriots of both margins, with the purpose of to increase to the reciprocal knowledge and confidence. The direct communication both enters sides of the Straits as far as the services of post office, airplane navigation and marine and commerce constitute an objective necessity for the development of the economy and the contacts in the diverse fields of both margins and also are there where they are the interests of the compatriots of both sides of the Straits. There is all the reason to adopt practical measures directed to make reality the sooner the communication in those three aspects. It is necessary to promote consultations on the diverse subjects between both margins. We are in agreement with negotiating and signing unofficial agreements on the protection of the rights and interests of the Taiwanese industralists with base in mutual benefits.

6. Shining the culture of five thousand years created altogether by the town of the diverse ethnic groups of China constitutes the spiritual connection that unites to all the Chinese and also an important base to make reality the reunification by pacific means. The compatriots of both margins of the Straits must altogether inherit and unfold the excellent tradition of the Chinese culture.

7. Veintiún million compatriots of Taiwan, original or not of the same province, are Chinese, intimate compatriots like nail and meat and brothers. It is necessary to totally respect the way of life of the compatriots of Taiwan and its desires of being owners of his own destiny, protecting all right and interest of the compatriots of Taiwan. The diverse departments of the Communist Party and the Government of China, including the organisms credited in the outside, must fortify the bonds with the compatriots of Taiwan, to lend ears to their opinions and demands, to worry and to take care of solícitamente their interests and to help them as far as possible to solve their difficulties. We wish that in the island the social stability reigns, it is developed the economy and he is abundant the life; also we hoped that the diverse parties of Taiwan impel the development of the relations between both margins, with a reasonable attitude, perspective and constructive. We give the welcome to that the diverse parties and personalities of the diverse social sectors of Taiwan interchange their opinions with us, about the relations and the reunification by pacific means between the two margins of the Straits, and also we will give to the welcome in its visits and trips them. History will always remember for the merits of all those that in the diverse fields have made contributions to the reunification of China.

8. We will give welcome to that the leaders of the authorities of Taiwan carry out visits in suitable quality; we also wished to accept the invitation of the part of Taiwan to travel by that earth. These visits can be destined to consult the subjects concerning the mother country, and also to interchange opinions in reference to certain problems. Even though one is simple trips and routes, will be beneficial. The Chinese we must make by our own account our subjects and we did not need merit any international occasion. The Straits is very narrow. The margin see themselves with anxiety and people of one the other. Anyway one is due to establish relations and that is not due to happen of “never visiting itself”.

Special Administrative region of Hong Kong

The region of Hong Kong, located in the suroriental coast of China and to the east of the mouth of the Zhujiang river, limits with the municipality of Shenzhen, province of Guangdong. It is composed by the island of Hong Kong, the peninsula of Jiulong (Kowloon) and Xinjie (New Territories). It has a surface of 1,092 kilometers square. It is territory of China from the antiquity. After the War of the Opium of 1840, it was occupied by England. According to the joint declaration on the problem of Hong Kong signed by China and the 19 England of December of 1984, the Governments of both countries celebrated 1º of 1997 July the ceremony of transference of the power of Hong Kong, announcing the recovery by Chinese part of the exercise of the sovereignty on Hong Kong, so that the common desire of the Chinese town maintained by long time was realized. At the same time, the Administrative Region of Hong Kong of the People's Republic of China was based officially Special, and the Fundamental Law of Special the Administrative Region of Hong Kong approved in April of 1990 by III the Session of VII the National Popular Assembly of RPCh was put in practice.

The stipulations of this Fundamental Law are the following:

High level of autonomy the Chinese Government executes the fundamental policy of “a country, two systems”, “administration of Hong Kong by the hongkoneses” and “autonomy high level”. “A country, two systems” means that within the country it practices the socialist system in the continental part and Hong Kong maintains the capitalist system and the previous way of life in next the 50 years. The “administration of Hong Kong by the hongkoneses” means that the hongkoneses administer Hong Kong according to their own will, and the central Government does not send civil servants to the regional government. The “high level of autonomy” means that, with the exception of the diplomacy and the subjects of national defense administered by the central Government, Special the Administrative Region of Hong Kong enjoys total autonomy to administer the subjects of the region including the right of executive control, the one of legislation, judicial independent and the one of final failure.

The high level of autonomy of Special the Administrative Region of Hong Kong counts on the following characteristics: first, the central Government does not take part in the subjects within the reach of the independent power of Special the Administrative Region of Hong Kong; secondly, according to the Fundamental Law, the regional government has right of final decision in the problems within the reach of the independent right, without the ratification of the central Government; third party, the regional government can select its own methods to exert its functions in agreement with the Fundamental Law.

Political system Special the Administrative Region of Hong Kong applies the democratic political system. Their main organs are: the Executive Head, the Government, the Legislative Council and the Court of Final Appeal. In addition, they settle down the Administrative Council who helps to the decision making on the part of the Executive Head, the Office of Administrative Ethics and the Audit, who work of independent way and respond to the Executive Head. The government of Special the Administrative Region of Hong Kong, like administrative agency, has subordinate the divisions of Governmental Subjects, Finances, and Legal Administration, as well as the corresponding bureaus, departments and offices. According to the conditions and requirements of the law, the Executive Head must right to dissolve the legislative organs; the legislative organs also must right to denounce the Executive Head; the executive agencies respond to the legislative organs; the Executive Head, the executive agencies and the legislative organs restrict themselves mutually on the one hand, and on the other they coordinate to each other.

The Executive Head of Special the Administrative Region of Hong Kong is the supreme head of his jurisdiction and the head of the regional government simultaneously. This double quality gives ample powers him. The Executive Head selects by means of elections or consultations in the region and is appointed by the central Government. Its mandate is of five years and can be reelected once. The first Executive Head of Special the Administrative Region of Hong Kong is Dong Jianhua (Tung Chee Hwa).

Economic system In Special the Administrative Region of Hong Kong is applied the free economic system. Its mechanism of operation concentrates in the financial handling, the commerce, the industry, the contracts of lands, the naval transport and aerial, the civil airplane navigation, etc. For example, relying on the Fundamental Law, Special the Administrative Region of Hong Kong protects the right of deprived property, maintains independence financial, dedicates all the financial entrance to its own needs without obligation to give it to the central Government, who does not collect taxes in Hong Kong, practices the independent tributary system and the policy of low taxes, he must right to legislate to define the taxes, the tributary rate of the same, reduction and related exemption and other subjects, it holds the position of international financial center, elaborates by his own one counts the financial policy and monetary, it guarantees the free management of the companies and the financial market, does not execute the policy of currency control, allows the currency exchange on free market of the dollars of H.K., maintains the market of currencies, gold, values open and of futures, it guarantees the free circulation of capitals, maintains the status of free port, applies the policy of the free commerce, guarantees the free circulation of merchandize and assets, it holds the position of center of international naval and aerial transport and can define the functions and concrete responsibilities related athe naval and aerial transport, holds the position of international and regional aerial center, and it takes responsibility of the daily works and the engineering control of the civil airplane navigation.

Like independent customs region, Special the Administrative Region of Hong Kong can, in the name of “Hong Kong of China”, to participate in the World-wide Organization of Commerce, as well as other world-wide organizations and agreements of international trade.

Cultural and educational system By its own account, Special the Administrative Region of Hong Kong must right to elaborate the policies related to the education, the culture, science and the technique, etc. The teaching institutions conserve their right of self-determination and enjoy the academic freedom, contract the educational and administrative personnel and select didactic materials outside Hong Kong. The students must right to choose institutes or universities and to study in the teaching institutions outside Hong Kong. The regional government of Hong Kong does not limit the freedom of religious belief, takes part either in the internal subjects of the religious organizations, who can maintain and develop relations with the religious organizations of other places. According to the existing norms, the religious organizations can create religious and common institutes, hospitals and organisms of social welfare. The groups and popular organizations of education, science, technology, culture, art, deport, medicine, etc. is authorized to maintain and to develop relations with their homologous ones of all the planet; also they can take part in the activities concerning name from “Hong Kong of China” when it is necessary.

Special Administrative region of Macao

Macao is on the western border of the mouth of the Zhujiang river, in the province of Guangdong and is 40 miles marine of Hong Kong. Including the peninsula of Macao and the islands Taipa and Coloane, ² covers a total surface with 24 km approx Is territory of China from the antiquity. In century III a.n.e. Qin Shi Huang, emperor of the Qin dynasty unified China. From that time, Macao was a part of the Panyu district of the Nanhai prefecture, later was incorporated to the Xiangshan district (present municipality of Zhongshan). In 1553, some Portuguese were worth of the bribe the local civil servants of Guangdong so that they allowed them to search his boats in the port of Macao and to deal thence. In 1557, more they went establishing in the place. After the War of the Opium, in 1840, they took advantage of the failure the Government of the Qing dynasty to invade and to occupy the islands Taipa and Coloane to the south of Macao. In 1887, the Portuguese Government forced the Qing Government to sign the “Project of the Treaty of the Meeting between China and Portugal” and the “Treaty of Peking between China and Portugal”. Those documents would allow “Portugal to quarter their people in Macao and to administer it along with the zones pertaining to her for always”, “with right equal since it does with other places of his country”. In this way Portugal occupied Macao.

But the Chinese town never has recognized those unequal treaties. The Government of the People's Republic of China has exposed in repeated occasions that Macao is, from always, territory of China and the problem of Macao is one legacy by history. The Chinese Government declared that in the advisable opportunity pacific solution by means of negotiations will occur him. In 1979, when China and Portugal established diplomatic relations, the Portuguese Government recognized that Macao is territory of China. Both parts decided both that the problem of Macao in the appropriate time would be solved, by means of negotiations between the governments of countries. Between June of 1986 and March of 1987, the governmental delegations Chinese and Portuguese carried out four rounds of negotiations and reached an agreement. The 13 of April of 1987, in Peking, the “joint Declaration between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal was signed officially on the problem of Macao”, which is explicit: The 20 of December of 1999 the Government of the People's Republic of China will recover the exercise of his sovereignty on Macao.

According to the anticipated thing, the 20 of December of 1999, the Governments of China and Portugal celebrated the transference of the Power of Macao. The foundation of Special the Administrative Region of Macao was proclaimed and entered in force the Fundamental Law of Special the Administrative Region of Macao, law approved by the I Session of VIII the National Popular Assembly in March of 1993.