The ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy and the Rule of Law in Hong Kong

Rimsky Yuen Kwok-keung, Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong, will make a public speech at Asia House about the development of Hong Kong’s rule of law over the past two decades and his outlook for the future.

The first day of July this year will mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s transfer of sovereignty from the UK to China. It also marks the beginning of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ model and the adaption of the Basic Law that stipulates the relationship between Hong Kong and the Central Government.

The Basic Law has, however, been subject to some controversy due to its ambiguity in how it could be interpreted. “It has to be read both from Hong Kong’s angle, as well as that of the central government, otherwise it is impossible to safeguard the co-existence of the ‘two systems’ under the ‘one country’ framework,” Mr Yuen said, commenting on the importance of the law.

Mr Yuen was appointed Secretary for Justice on July 1, 2012.  He was a barrister in private practice before joining the Government, specialising in commercial disputes.  He also served as an arbitrator in international arbitrations and a mediator in commercial disputes. He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2003 and a Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court in 2006.

To register your interest in attending, please contact Conor Paterson at conor.paterson@asiahouse.co.uk.