China News Service, Hong Kong, January 24 (Reporter Suo Youwei) The opening ceremony of the 2022 legal year of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was held at the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal on January 24. The Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Zheng Ruohua, SC, said in his speech that the current The basic premise of "one country" has been consolidated and national security is guaranteed. She is convinced that the common law will continue to apply in Hong Kong after 2047. Now is the time to truly appreciate the "one country, two systems" principle.
Zheng Ruohua said that the Basic Law codifies the innovative Chinese constitutional policy of "one country, two systems" into a written law.
If we can uphold, practice and respect the basic premise of "one country", there is no reason why "two systems" based on common law should not continue.
She said that the central government has repeatedly expressed its clear support and resolute implementation of "one country, two systems".
Therefore, we have the responsibility to maintain the foundation of "one country", let "two systems" continue to flourish, and on this basis, let the common law continue to apply.
She added that Hong Kong's constitutional order is based on the foundation of "one country", which has been consolidated and strengthened in the past two years.
In 2021, there have been cases that reaffirmed Hong Kong's constitutional order, safeguarded national security, and followed the human rights protections stipulated in the Basic Law.
When implementing the Hong Kong National Security Law, relevant cases have clearly defined how to apply the Hong Kong National Security Law.
Cheng Ruohua said that looking forward to the future, the overall priority of the Hong Kong SAR is to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities, safeguard national security, and conduct local legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law.
This constitutional responsibility is contained not only in the Basic Law, but also in paragraph 3 of the Decision of the National People's Congress on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Safeguard National Security and Article 7 of the Hong Kong National Security Law.
The Department of Justice will continue to make every effort to provide independent professional legal advice and support the Security Bureau of the SAR Government in formulating relevant legislative procedures.
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