Officials on Wednesday underlined the importance of upholding the Constitution and the rule of law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the global financial hub seeks to leverage its unique strengths to support the nation’s high-level reforms and opening-up.

Their remarks were made during a seminar marking the 11th National Constitution Day, established in 2014 to enhance public awareness and promote the implementation of the Constitution.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that the HKSAR has played a vital role in the nation’s development since China embraced market-oriented reforms over 40 years ago.

As the country pushes for deeper reforms and a higher level of opening-up, the SAR must utilize the advantages of the “one country, two systems” framework, participate in the reform process, and contribute to national progress, he said.

Lee noted that the benefits enjoyed by the city since its return to the motherland in 1997 are rooted in the Constitution adopted by the National People’s Congress, the country’s top legislature, in 1982.

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He pointed to Articles 31 and 62 of the Constitution, which allowed for the establishment of the special administrative regions and granted the NPC the authority to legislate the political systems in those regions, which served as the foundation for the HKSAR’s Basic Law — its mini-constitution.

The chief executive urged Hong Kong to capitalize on these institutional strengths, cultivate new advantages, explore emerging growth areas, and support the nation’s development and goal of national rejuvenation.

The seminar, organized by the HKSAR government and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government, is aimed at deepening people’s understanding of the constitutional foundations of both the country and the SAR.

This year’s theme — “The Constitution and Further Comprehensively Deepening Reforms” — aligns with a crucial meeting of the Communist Party of China in July that called for improvements to the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and modernization of the national governance system.

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Lee said over 300 reform measures aimed at promoting China’s modernization and achieving high-quality development were proposed at the meeting, many of which are directly relevant to the HKSAR.

“A theme running through these measures is that the special administrative regions should make good use of the institutional advantages of ‘one country, two systems’,” he said.

He said that the HKSAR uniquely combines China’s strengths with international advantages, offering a strong legal tradition and a stable legal system. The city’s financial framework, with its simple and low tax system, makes it an attractive destination for businesses. Additionally, the city boasts advanced infrastructure, and efficient ports, and serves as a global aviation hub, drawing top talent from around the world.

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Moreover, as the only common law jurisdiction with both Chinese and English as official languages, the HKSAR aligns its legal framework with international standards in investment, financing, and trade, appealing to major global economies. Recognized as one of the world’s most competitive economies, Hong Kong maintains strong connections with key trade centers, providing a free, open, convenient, and secure business environment, he said.

In light of unprecedented global changes, Lee stressed the need to benefit from the support of the motherland while maintaining international connections. By actively integrating into the national development framework while preserving its global ties, Hong Kong can achieve significant breakthroughs and contribute effectively to the broader goal of national rejuvenation, he said.

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Zheng Yanxiong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, described the seminar as crucial for accurately understanding the relationship between the Constitution and reform, and for promoting the SAR’s reform and innovation within the framework of the rule of law.

He said that Hong Kong is at a pivotal moment, transitioning from chaos to governance and ultimately to prosperity.

“We must not forget past pains after healing wounds, nor can we be overly idealistic in our intentions,” he said, referring to the need to uphold the rule of law.

Zheng said that ensuring Hong Kong’s reform and innovation requires upholding the order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law, safeguarding national security, and continuously advancing the rule of law. Hong Kong’s legal system must also be refined with a spirit of reform to achieve vibrant development.

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Mo Jihong, head of the Institute of Law at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, expressed confidence that the Constitution can maintain Hong Kong’s steady development.

He said despite trials and tribulations, the Constitution has been able to maintain national unity, social stability, and economic prosperity over the past 70 years since the promulgation of its first version in 1954.

He noted that in the last 25 years, the constitutional order of the HKSAR has operated steadily, the central government’s comprehensive governing power has been implemented, and the SAR had managed to maintain a high degree of autonomy. 

Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com