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Hong Kong Basic Law

Hong Kong Basic Law
The Basic Law was drafted as part of the Sino-British Joint Declaration covering Hong Kong after its handover to China on July 1, 1997. The declaration stated Hong Kong would be governed under the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ and continue to enjoy its capitalist system and individual freedoms for 50 years after the handover.
A large banner promoting the National Security Law displayed at Tsim Sha Tsui’s Star Ferry Pier in June 2020. Photo: Sam Tsang
Law

Legal Tales | Power of Hong Kong’s new national security regulation must be prudently deployed

The new powers conferred on the chief executive must be exercised in a way that is consistent with rights and freedoms entrenched in the Basic Law.

Hong Kong courts

Opinion | Why executive branches are best placed to gauge national security risks

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John Lee

John Lee vows ‘prudent’ use of power to define national security offences

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Hong Kong politics

Editorial | National security law refinement aims to clarify, plug loopholes

The move does not involve expanded powers but provides greater certainty in implementation of the law. It will not affect those who are law-abiding.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok delivers a speech at the National Security Legal Forum at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on April 15. Photo: Nora Tam
Hong Kong courts

Legal Tales | The evolution of Hong Kong’s independent common law

A recent Court of Final Appeal ruling confirms that the city’s common law is its very own.

Hong Kong national security law

Hong Kong earmarks additional HK$5 billion for national security

Fresh allocation brings total funding to HK$18 billion over five years.

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Hong Kong

Opinion | Hong Kong must keep its unique edge even as it enjoys deeper mainland ties

As mainland officials manage Hong Kong affairs through the ‘one of us’ lens, it should not affect the city’s role as a superconnector.

Illustration: Craig Stephens
Hong Kong national security law

‘Specified persons’ will be able to decrypt devices in national security cases

Security chief says amendments to implementation rules have not created new law enforcement powers.

Hong Kong politics

Opinion | Here’s what an executive-led government really means in Hong Kong

The legislature and judiciary have a constitutional duty to rally behind the executive while exercising their powers independently.

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Hong Kong society

Anthony Mason, who helped put top Hong Kong court on the map, dies at age 100

City leader, current and former top judges pay tribute to former Australian chief justice and praise ‘his profound wisdom and illustrious experience’.

Tributes from current and former city officials poured in for the late jurist on Wednesday, just a day after he died. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong politics

Opinion | White paper documents the strength of Hong Kong’s security shield

Beijing’s latest white paper on Hong Kong clears up misconceptions by chronicling the progress made on protecting national security.

A general view of the Office for Safeguarding National Security at Tin Hau, taken on May 13, 2025. Photo: Sam Tsang
Two Sessions 2026

How will Hong Kong follow mainland China’s ethnic unity promotion law?

Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress set to be passed at the closing session of 14th National People’s Congress.

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Two Sessions 2025

Editorial | Vital to consolidate executive-led system for Hong Kong’s development

Chinese leaders stress that all of Hong Kong, from government branches to society, have a shared responsibility to ensure the system truly works.

Hong Kong courts

Opinion | A speedy pardon in the Jimmy Lai case is unlikely

Foreign governments campaigning for the former media boss’ release should thoroughly look into the nuances of the case as the legal process plays out.

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Correctional Services Department vehicles leave the West Kowloon Court after former media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison for violating the national security law, on February 9. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong official warns of lower payout if Tai Po fire victims reject buy-back plan

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong urges Wang Fuk Court flat owners to ‘make a wise decision’ or face lower compensation under possible legislation.

The government is expected to spend about HK$6.8 billion to buy back damaged flats at Wang Fuk Court, offering HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 per square foot. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong society

Opinion | Executive-led governance in Hong Kong must start by listening to the people

As the head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office has stressed, an executive-led system must be coherent to be effective, and this requires building consensus.

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Hong Kong politics

Opinion | Legco must exercise due diligence against the tyranny of KPIs

Even if the government drafted perfect laws, lawmakers must scrutinise them without being afraid of performing their constitutional duty.

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Hong Kong politics

Are Hong Kong lawmakers also to blame over seat belt law blunder?

Government’s flip-flopping on mandatory seat belts aboard buses is wake-up call for legislators to scrutinise bills more rigorously, experts say.

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Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee (front centre) with the latest cohort of lawmakers at the Legislative Council building on January 1. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong courts

Opinion | Those betting on Hong Kong’s bright future have backed a winner

The ‘one country, two systems’ framework, enshrined in the Basic Law and staunchly supported by the central government, has allowed the city to flourish.

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Hong Kong

Legal Tales | Late corporate activist David Webb showed why transparency benefits Hong Kong

Webb’s website reported on suspicious corporate wrongdoings under an open system that improved city’s governance and exercise of the rule of law.

Hong Kong politics

Editorial | Executive-led model key to Hong Kong’s success

With the city’s new legislature in place, it is time to further reinforce the executive-led system laid out in the constitutional order.

The Hong Special Administrative Region and Chinese national flags outside the Legislative Council complex on March 19, 2024. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong politics

Perform on ‘same stage’, don’t undermine: Xia tells Hong Kong lawmakers, judges

Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs calls for stronger ‘ownership’ of city, rejects hostile forces promoting separation of powers.

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The Central Government Offices in Admiralty. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong courts

Rule of law in Hong Kong ‘more robust’ than any single case: chief justice

Calls for early release of any defendant on political grounds strike against the rule of law, Chief Justice Andrew Cheung says of Jimmy Lai case.

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Law

Legal Tales | What happens in Hong Kong’s top court, hidden amid the city’s winter wonderland

It may be used as a canvas for Christmas projections, but the building houses independently appointed judges who uphold and develop the city’s laws.

Hong Kong politics

Editorial | Expectations for Hong Kong’s newly sworn-in legislators are clear

Lawmakers must actively represent the people, raise questions about the work of the government under the Basic Law and cooperate on finding solutions.

Newly elected legislator Vivian Kong (left) and Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu during the oath-taking ceremony for the Legislative Council on January 1. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong politics

Opinion | End of the road for Hong Kong’s democracy movement? There’s still hope

The only hopeless aspect is the erroneous thinking that Hong Kong can have democracy without the central government’s blessing.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Hong Kong politics

Editorial | New Legco tasked with pushing for better governance of city, deepening reform

Lawmakers must work with the chief executive to advance post-fire recovery, improve livelihoods and encourage Hong Kong to play its unique role in national development.

Hong Kong politics

Opinion | After Hong Kong fire, new lawmakers will have to hit the ground running

Lawmakers must reach out to their electorates, listen to grievances and frustrations and seek to understand people’s plight.

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