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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.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu attends the first session of the eighth Legislative Council in Admiralty on January 14, as Legco president Starry Lee Wai-king looks on. Photo: Eugene Lee
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

Hong Kong politics

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

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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The law aims to forge a strong “sense of community for the Chinese nation” and advance “common prosperity” among the country’s 56 ethnic groups. Photo: Jelly Tse
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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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.

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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Illustration: Craig Stephens
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.

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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Hong Kong’s Chief Justice Andrew Cheung inspects the police ceremonial guard outside City Hall on Monday, ahead of his speech to mark the opening of the 2026 legal year. Photo: Sam Tsang
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.

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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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Hong Kong society

Editorial | Hong Kong must build on foundations laid at successful Legal Week

The event provides a valuable platform for international engagement as the city tries to make its mark on the global legal landscape.

Professor Ignacio Tirado (right) secretary general of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, delivers a speech during Hong Kong Legal Week on December 2. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong’s connectivity, talent can foster legal cooperation: minister, expert

City’s views on transnational laws are influential, expert says, as representatives from over 25 jurisdictions meet at Hong Kong Legal Week forum.

Professor Ignacio Tirado, secretary general of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, delivers a speech during Hong Kong Legal Week. Photo: Handout
Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s national security police arrest 2 over alleged seditious online posts

Man and woman held over alleged seditious posts on social media, while police also seize suspected marijuana during search at Kwai Chung home.

Hong Kong society

Editorial | Rebound in Hong Kong pupils’ English proficiency is encouraging

Record high scores a sign of teachers’ enhanced post-pandemic support and bode well for the city’s competitiveness.

Law

Legal Tales | Having common law lawyers from here, elsewhere is in Hong Kong’s best interest

Having overseas lawyers here is not a historical hangover, but allows the courts to get the best expertise under ‘one country, two systems’.

(From left) Tse Kwan-ho, Renci Yeung and Dayo Wong Tze-wah in a still from the film A Guilty Conscience. Photo: Edko Films
Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong condemns UK ‘smears’ as interference in latest city monitoring report

Authorities slam London’s ‘untruthful remarks’, after UK report claimed national security laws diminished Hong Kong’s political autonomy.

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A view of the Hong Kong government headquarters in Admiralty. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong an aviation hub for Greater Bay Area, beyond: Airport Authority chief

The HKIA serves as a vital infrastructure for Chinese firms moving to expand globally, Airport Authority chairman Fred Lam says.

Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong to seek administrative measures to protect same-sex couple rights

City leader also says ill-fated bill shows Legco is not ‘rubber stamp’, as some ‘unfairly’ suggest.

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