Hong Kong’s Justice Minister, Paul Lam Ting-kwok, reassured the international community that the city will continue to be governed by the “one country, two systems” principle indefinitely, emphasizing the endurance of its common law system. Lam, speaking at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, addressed concerns over the future of Hong Kong’s legal and political framework, particularly after 2047, when the “one country, two systems” arrangement is set to expire.
The minister referenced a pivotal statement made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Hong Kong in 2022, where he asserted there was “no reason to change such a good system” and emphasized that it must be adhered to for the long term. Lam’s comments were meant to reassure both investors and the public, reinforcing that the principle governing Hong Kong’s governance would not change after the 2047 deadline.
In addition to reaffirming the stability of Hong Kong’s legal system, Lam announced the city would host the 15th China-Asean Prosecutors-General Conference in September 2025, a move that has received strong backing from Beijing. Lam’s speech highlighted Hong Kong’s continued role as a bridge between China and Southeast Asia, aiming to bolster legal cooperation within the region while reinforcing its status as a common law jurisdiction.
This announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about the future of Hong Kong’s governance, and Lam’s comments seek to address lingering doubts about the continuity of the city’s unique system. With Beijing’s support and Lam’s reassurance, Hong Kong aims to strengthen its position as a hub for international legal and economic affairs.
