CE assures international business community on &quot;One Country, Two Systems&quot;
9.12.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (December 9) assured the international business community that the rule of law, judicial independence and people's rights and freedoms, the core values underpinning Hong Kong's success, will continue to be upheld under "One Country, Two Systems". Speaking during an interview by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) as part of the programme of the WSJ CEO Council Summit held on December 7 and 8 (US Eastern Time) online, Mrs Lam stressed that the Central People's Government would unswervingly implement the policy of "One Country, Two Systems". She elucidated, among others, the constitutional arrangement of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) under "One Country, Two Systems", and the enactment of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR (the National Security Law). Mrs Lam pointed out that many unfair comments made about Hong Kong in recent events show a lack of understanding of the policy of "One Country, Two Systems". As an innovative concept aiming at preserving as much as possible the way of life and the systems in the city, it is also built on the firm foundation of Hong Kong being an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China and must not move away from the principle of "One Country". She stressed that under "One Country, Two Systems", Hong Kong will continue to uphold its core values, including the rights and freedoms of the people, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary. Pointing out that following months of riots since June last year, she said the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the highest organ of state power, had no option but to enact the National Security Law and apply it in Hong Kong in accordance with the Basic Law in order to protect national security. Mrs Lam stressed that under the National Security Law, Hong Kong people’s rights and freedoms under the Basic Law as well as the relevant provisions of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as applied to Hong Kong will continue to be protected. Important legal concepts including the presumption of innocence, fair and open trial and non-retrospectivity are embedded in the National Security Law. Looking forward, she said that the Government will strive to make concerted efforts to enhance education and promotion of national security in society. Addressing a question on the disqualification of four Legislative Council members last month, Mrs Lam explained the background and the legal basis of the relevant decision made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Mrs Lam said that, with law and order in the city restored by the implementation of the National Security Law, and that Hong Kong will play an active role in the national development with the support of the Central People's Government, with particular reference to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has promising prospects and it is an opportune time for businesses to invest in Hong Kong. The WSJ CEO Council Summit was participated by hundreds of leaders of multinational enterprises. Ends/Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Issued at HKT 2:03 NNNN