Editor's note: In this episode, Mr. Grenville Cross discusses how, under the central government's proper jurisdiction and protection of national security, Hong Kong's legal system and the "one country, two systems" framework remain stable, allowing it to stay a major international financial and arbitration center.
Although some people recklessly tested the outer limits of the city's autonomy after 1997, even advocating "Hong Kong independence," the Central Authorities ensured that the train was not derailed. This was fortunate, as the OCTS policy could have been jeopardized. The Basic Law stipulates that Hong Kong "comes directly under the Central People's Government" (Art. 12), and no country could tolerate a situation where regional legislators undermined national objectives and collaborated with foreign powers to endanger national security.
In 2014, the State Council issued a white paper emphasizing the Central Government's comprehensive jurisdiction over Hong Kong. This stressed that those who governed the city "should above all be patriotic," a principle entrenched in the 2021 electoral reforms that improved governance. Judicial independence was discussed by Lord (David) Neuberger, who noted that it was not inconsistent with judicial patriotism; judges demonstrate their patriotism through an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
Despite its jurisdiction, Beijing has consistently respected Hong Kong's legal system. The Basic Law enshrines the common law, and the judiciary has upheld these traditions. This system has been tested but has remained resilient, evidenced by Hong Kong's ranking in the 2025 World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index, where it was positioned remarkably well compared to other jurisdictions.
This legal integrity has fostered an environment where Hong Kong continues to flourish, making it Asia's leading financial center and a highly regarded arbitration hub. The city's position has been further solidified by international recognition and partnerships, demonstrating its enduring relevance on the global stage.
(Reporter: Lexy Lu | Editor: Liu Yu)
Related Readings:
Comment