Rule of law guarantees HK role as intl. financial hub: expert
Updated 11:12, 16-Aug-2019
CGTN
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01:08

Experts and scholars in Beijing on Thursday called for efforts to maintain order, security and stability in Hong Kong through the rule of law.

They told reporters at a press conference that the rights and freedom of Hong Kong people must be safeguarded in accordance with basic law and the constitution.

When answering a question from CGTN over Hong Kong's status as an international financial hub in the context of the "One Country, Two Systems," they said the rule of law is key.

Han Dayuan, a member of the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said: "In my view, to run Hong Kong in accordance with the law means that the rule of law should be exercised to maintain national sovereignty and security. So we stressed the importance of coming back to law. And in our view, that's the only way viable going forward."

Tian Feilong, an associate law professor at Beijing's Beihang University, said maintaining the status of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as an international financial center requires that the rule of law prevail. 

Tian stressed that the "One Country, Two Systems" principle is the foundation on which the city built its status as a financial hub, adding that without it Hong Kong cannot fulfill its role as a financial center. 

Tian Feilong, an associate law professor at Beijing's Beihang University, attends a news conference held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, August 15, 2019. /Photo via scio.gov.cn

Tian Feilong, an associate law professor at Beijing's Beihang University, attends a news conference held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, August 15, 2019. /Photo via scio.gov.cn

Adherence to the "One Country, Two Systems" principle in Hong Kong and the basic law is aligned with Hong Kong's position as an international financial hub, the professor added.

The current situation in Hong Kong will have a ripple effect in China as a whole and further afield. 

Hong Kong is a pillar of China's economic infrastructure as well as globalization, Tian explained, noting that the ongoing crisis there will have adverse effects on the financial security of the United States.  

No party can completely be immune in the era of globalization, Tian noted.

(CGTN's Su Yuting also contributed to the story)