EditorialBar Association trip to Beijing bodes well for Hong Kong’s legal system
- Visit by barristers from the city ends five-year freeze in relations and leads to welcome honest talks about the rule of law with central government officials
The Hong Kong Bar Association’s trip to mainland China last week was aptly described as an “icebreaker” after a five-year freeze in relations with Beijing. An 18-member delegation, led by chairman Victor Dawes, discussed pressing legal issues with senior officials.
The five-day visit to the capital marks a welcome thawing of ties. Dawes said the delegation enjoyed a “candid exchange” with Shen Chunyao, chairman of both the legislative affairs committee and Basic Law committee of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee.
Plans to pass new national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law were discussed, with the barristers sensibly calling for a balance to be struck between safeguarding security and protecting human rights.
The talks were constructive and meaningful, said Dawes, who added that Shen gave resounding assurances about the future of the city’s rule of law. The discussion significantly overran its scheduled time, demonstrating Beijing’s high level of interest in, and concern for, the city’s legal system.
A meeting also took place with the legal unit of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO). Dawes said there was a good atmosphere and much interaction.
The association stressed the importance of an independent judiciary to the city’s status as an international financial and legal centre.