Criticism Of Hong Kong’s Economy And Rule Of Law Is Baseless

Recent criticism of aspects of Hong Kong’s economic development and work on safeguarding national security, by a so-called expert on Hong Kong, is factually baseless. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government rightly rejects the allegations. We must set the record straight.

Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong residents’ livelihoods and Hong Kong’s business environment have steadily improved, while our economic performance is consistently scaling new highs. It is appalling that anyone would try to smear Hong Kong by resorting to untruths. A simple fact-check will reveal that Hong Kong has emerged stronger than before.

Hong Kong has made unprecedented achievements over the past two years in attracting quality businesses to our city. According to our annual survey, the number of foreign- and mainland-affiliated companies in Hong Kong rose to 11,070 in 2025, up 11 per cent from the previous year – a record-high number of firms with parent companies located outside Hong Kong. Together, these enterprises hired nearly 510,000 people in Hong Kong, up by 3 per cent from 2024.

Such numbers represent a vote of confidence in Hong Kong by businesses and entrepreneurs. Foreign businesses have no reason to worry and should welcome the laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, which ensure a safer and more stable environment for investments and economic development. Those who talk down Hong Kong’s prospects must face the facts.

Allegations that Hong Kong’s freedoms are under threat are also groundless. Hong Kong people’s rights and freedoms are protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. In fact, both the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security.

The rights and freedoms – including freedom of the press, of speech and of publication – enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law, and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, are protected in accordance with the law.

Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the media landscape in Hong Kong has remained vibrant. However, like all other places in the world, freedom of the press and speech is not absolute. The media, like everyone else, has an obligation to abide by the law.

Hong Kong’s law enforcement agencies have taken action based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the people or entities concerned, paying no regard to their political stance, background or occupation. Any attempt to attack Hong Kong for doing otherwise is groundless.

The rule of law in Hong Kong is robust. The city’s judicial system has always been highly regarded by the international community. The Hong Kong judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law. The city’s judges and judicial officers abide by their judicial oath and administer justice in full accordance with the law, without fear or favour, self-interest or deceit.

Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal Andrew Cheung Kui-nung is seen at the ceremonial opening of the legal year on January 19, at City Hall in Central. Photo: Sam Tsang

Cases are decided strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. There is no truth to the accusation that Hong Kong’s courts are under political pressure in the adjudication of national security cases, or indeed any case, or that there has been a decline in the rule of law in Hong Kong. Indeed, the American Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 survey found that 94 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in Hong Kong’s rule of law, a rise from 83 per cent in 2025.

Hong Kong’s common law system has been built and maintained over the years by the joint efforts of the judiciary and legal professionals, including judges at all levels of courts, and its integrity will not be affected by the departure of individual overseas non-permanent judges, whether due to age or other personal reasons. Meanwhile, eminent overseas jurists and practitioners are appointed to sit as deputy High Court judges from time to time, testifying to the international legal community’s confidence in Hong Kong’s judicial system.

Hong Kong will continue to discharge its responsibility to safeguard national security and, at the same time, safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law.