---
title: "Annex III Definition and Importance | Model Diplomat"
description: "Annex III is the schedule of PRC laws applicable in Hong Kong and Macao. It's crucial for understanding the legal framework under 'one country, two systems'."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/annex-iii"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Annex III is the schedule of national laws of the People's Republic of China that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress may apply in the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions.
- Which Basic Law article governs Annex III?
- Who can add laws to Annex III and how?
- How is an Annex III law brought into force in Hong Kong?
- Why is Annex III significant for 'one country, two systems'?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Go beyond the definition

## Research Annex III like a delegate

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## Timeline

1. 4 April 1990

   Annex III refers to the list appended to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (and the parallel Annex III to the Macao Basic Law), en…

2. 1 July 1997

   Annex III refers to the list appended to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (and the parallel Annex III to the Macao Basic Law), en…

3. 30 June 2020

   On the NPCSC enacted the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR (the National Security Law) and immediately listed it in Annex III, a…

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Example

On 30 June 2020, the NPC Standing Committee listed the Hong Kong National Security Law in Annex III, and Chief Executive Carrie Lam promulgated it locally that same evening, bypassing the Legislative Council.

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## Go deeper than the definition

Lessons

[Hong Kong Macau The One Country Two Systems Model](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/china-political-system-hong-kong-macau-the-one-country-two-systems-model)

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