夯实法治基石 促进共同发展
——刘光源特派员在香港法律周开幕式暨首届亚太国际私法峰会上的致辞
（11月7日上午，香港会展中心）
尊敬的李家超行政长官，蒂拉多秘书长，
各位嘉宾，女士们、先生们：
大家上午好！今天，我们齐聚香港这个中西合璧的大都会，共同研讨国际法领域新发展，展望未来新机遇，很有意义。我谨代表外交部驻港公署对香港法律周开幕及首届亚太国际私法峰会召开表示热烈祝贺！
法治是香港繁荣稳定的基石。回归以来，“一国两制”事业始终沿着法治轨道运行。前不久，我们欢度香港回归祖国25周年，又迎来中国共产党第二十次全国代表大会的胜利召开。习近平主席深刻总结“一国两制”实践特别是香港实现由乱到治的历史性成就，系统阐述坚持和完善“一国两制”的新理念新思想新战略，为香港未来发展指引航向。如何更好发挥法治在保障“一国两制”成功实践中的重要作用？我愿分享几点看法。
第一，以法治之本，巩固“一国两制”制度基础。“一国两制”开启了香港法治的全新时代。香港回归后包括普通法在内的原有法律制度，纳入以国家宪法和基本法为基础的宪制秩序中。坚定维护宪法和基本法权威，就是维护香港法治的根基。“法与时转则治”，“一国两制”制度体系从40年前的科学构想变成25年来的成功实践，得益于“不忘初心”的坚守和与时俱进的完善。唯有持之以恒、孜孜以求，不断完善法律体系和制度机制，“一国两制”才能继续焕发新的生机活力。
第二，以法治之效，塑造香港良政善治新格局。“经国序民，正其制度”。香港由乱到治的事实充分证明，依法治理是最可靠、最稳定的治理，法治是香港保持长期繁荣稳定的有力支撑。当前，香港经济社会发展还面临不少深层次矛盾和问题，发展经济、改善民生任务艰巨。把特区建设好、发展好，同样需要强化法治意识，善用法治思维和法治方式进行治理。我们要通过立良法、行善治，明规则、促守法，打造法治“强引擎”，注入法治“新动能”，不断为香港增优势、拓空间、破难题，续写香港美好新篇章。
第三，以法治之利，彰显香港独特地位和优势。香港背靠祖国，面向世界，具有法律规则融通中外、法律人才济济、法律服务业发达等显著优势，是不同国家和司法管辖区法律交往的“超级联系人”。在国家支持下，越来越多国际法律组织来港“落户”，越来越多特区青年奔赴国际统一私法协会、海牙国际私法会议等机构借调任职。特区法律专家经常作为中国代表团成员，为各项国际公约谈判作出独到贡献。在国家惠港举措支持下，特区法治竞争力不断彰显，法治优势“金漆招牌”愈发光彩。
女士们、先生们，
当前，世界之变、时代之变、历史之变正以前所未有的方式展开，国际社会面临的不稳定性和不确定性明显增加，“长臂管辖”、“筑墙设垒”、“脱钩断链”等单边主义和保护主义逆流横行。种种乱象和困境背后，凸显的是法治精神没有得到切实遵循，国际法和国际秩序遭到肆意破坏。面对世界性挑战，没有一个国家可以“独善其身”，各国唯有同舟共济，才能有效应对。作为国际社会中的负责任一员，中国愿同各国一道，从以下几方面做出努力：
——重诺守信，坚定维护国际法权威。坚持国际法治是中国人民基于百年奋斗做出的郑重选择。中国始终恪守初心，做联合国宪章和国际法的坚定维护者，以法治反对霸权强权、以规则维护公平正义。国际关系经历的风风雨雨反复证明，坚持和弘扬国际法是人类之福，偏离和否定国际法会贻害无穷。我们要厉行国际法治，坚持通过制度和规则来协调规范各国关系，确保国际法平等统一适用，切实维护和践行真正的多边主义。
——革故鼎新，推动全球治理规则变革。国际规则应该是各国共同认可的规则，而不应由少数人来制定。中国倡导国际上的事大家商量着办，更好反映大多数国家特别是发展中国家的正当关切和合理诉求。面对新形势新挑战，习近平主席提出全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议等一系列新理念新倡议，为破解“世界怎么了，我们怎么办”的时代之问提供中国方案。中方愿同各方一道推动倡议落地，唱响共同发展的“主旋律”，谱写共同安全的“交响乐”。
——交流互鉴，促进各国法律融通衔接。全球化是时代潮流，新的产业链供应链日益形成，数字经济、人工智能等新兴技术不断涌现，各国法律规范仍存在“短板”，规则衔接“堵点”有待打通。我们既要“建章立制”，完善新兴领域治理规则，也要拆除“高墙壁垒”，构筑畅通无阻的“规则高速公路”。我们要共同为科技创新营造开放、公正、非歧视的法律环境，用好法治保障的“金钥匙”，以充分释放全球化的积极效应，更好促进各国共同发展。
女士们、先生们，
中国共产党第二十次全国代表大会科学谋划了以中国式现代化推进中华民族伟大复兴的宏伟蓝图，指明世界发展正确方向是共同推动构建人类命运共同体，为人类谋进步、为世界谋大同。道阻且长，行则将至，行而不辍，未来可期。中国愿同国际社会携手努力，弘扬和平、发展、公平、正义、民主、自由的全人类共同价值，排除各种干扰和挑战，稳步推进国际法治，让国际公平正义的光芒照亮人类发展之路，共创美好未来！
谢谢大家！
Strengthening rule-of-law for common development
Speech by Commissioner Liu Guangyuan at
The Opening Ceremony of Hong Kong Legal Week 2022 and
The Inaugural Asia-Pacific Private International Law Summit
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center
November 7, 2022
Honorable Chief Executive Mr John Lee,
Secretary General professor Ignacio Tirado,
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning! I’m delighted to join you today. It’s very meaningful for us to gather in Hong Kong, a global metropolis where East-meets-West, to exchange views on the developments and opportunities in the field of international law. On behalf of the Commissioner’s Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong, I’d like to extend warm congratulations on the opening of the Hong Kong Legal Week 2022 and the inaugural Asia-Pacific Private International Law Summit.
The rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, and the practice of “one country, two systems” has always been based on the rule of law over the past decades. The year 2022 has witnessed the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the 20th National Congress of Communist Party of China. On both occasions, President Xi Jinping reviewed historic achievements of “one country, two systems”, especially Hong Kong’s transition from chaos to stability. He also elaborated on new philosophies for upholding and improving “one country, two systems”, charting the course for Hong Kong’s future. Over the past quarter-century, the rule of law has played a big role in the success of “one country, two systems”. Going forward, how can the rule of law better ensure the success of the policy? Today, I wish to share my views about this topic.
First, the rule of law could consolidate the institutional foundation of “one country, two systems”. “One country, two systems” marked a new era of Hong Kong’s rule of law. 25 years ago, Hong Kong’s pre-existing laws, including its common law, were incorporated into its constitutional order, which is based on China’s Constitution and Hong Kong’s Basic Law. Today, to safeguard the foundation of Hong Kong’s rule of law, we must, first and foremost, protect the authority of the Constitution and the Basic Law. As a Chinese saying goes, “a society could not be well-governed without its laws keeping updated”. It’s true to Hong Kong. 40 years ago, “one country, two systems” was just a concept, but to date, it has been a successful practice for 25 years. We made it possible by never forgetting our original aspiration and never stopping improving the policy as needed. We must carry forward this spirit and continue to improve Hong Kong’s legal systems and institutional mechanisms. Only by doing so, can “one country, two systems” glow with new vigor and vitality.
Second, the rule of law could help ensure Hong Kong’s good governance. “Good systems underpin sound governance”. It is a truth testified by human history. Hong Kong’s transition from chaos to stability has once again proved that law-based governance is the most reliable way of governance. The rule of law has helped and will continue to help Hong Kong enjoy long-term prosperity and stability. At present, Hong Kong’s economic and social development is faced with some deep-seated issues, and growing the economy and improving people’s livelihood is not an easy task. To build Hong Kong a better place, the rule of law has an indispensable role to play. The importance of the rule-of-law must never be underestimated, so that a strong “legal energy” could always be released to enhance Hong Kong’s strengths and address Hong Kong’s difficulties.
Third, the rule of law could strengthen the unique status and advantages of Hong Kong. Hong Kong has significant legal advantages. For example, it is compatible with both Chinese and foreign legal rules, and it has a wealth of legal professionals and a well-developed legal service industry. With the strong support of the motherland and close connection with the world, Hong Kong has long been hailed as a “super connector” for legal exchanges between different countries and jurisdictions. Over the years, thanks to the supportive policies of the country, more and more international legal organizations have set up offices in Hong Kong, and a growing number of Hong Kong youths have gained opportunities to work in agencies such as the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law and the Hague Conference on Private International Law. Also, legal experts from Hong Kong are making their distinctive contributions to global affairs by negotiating international conventions as members of Chinese delegations. As the motherland expands its support to Hong Kong, Hong Kong’s legal competitiveness will continue to be sharpened, and its well-established legal reputation further cemented.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we speak, changes of the world, of our times and of history are unfolding in ways like never before. The instability and uncertainty facing the international community have markedly increased, and unilateral and protectionist acts of “long-arm jurisdiction”, “barrier-setting”, “decoupling and chains-cutting” have shown no sign of decrease. These backlash against globalization violates the legal spirit and undermines international law and global order. Facing global challenges, no country can stay unaffected. The only way out is all countries standing in solidarity. As a responsible member of the international community, China will work with other countries to make efforts in the following aspects:
First, upholding the authority of international law. China adheres to the international rule of law, which is a solemn choice and promise made by Chinese people based on our experience over the past century. As a defender of the UN Charter and international law, China has been upholding and using the rule of law to guard against hegemony and power politics and protect fairness and justice. The ups and downs in international relations have proved time and again that abiding by international law brings benefits to humanity, while deviating from it causes disasters. So, we must champion the international rule of law, coordinate and regulate state-state relations through systems and rules, ensure the equal and uniform application of international law to all, and safeguard and practice true multilateralism.
Second, updating rules for global governance. International rules should be accepted by countries around the world, not decided by a few. China believes that world affairs should be handled through extensive consultation to better reflect the legitimate concerns and needs of most countries, especially developing ones. Faced with the questions of our times—“what has happened to the world and how should we respond?”, President Xi Jinping offered China’s answers by putting forward a series of new proposals, including the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. China is ready to work with all countries to implement the initiatives for common development and common security.
Third, promoting compatibility of laws between countries. Globalization is the trend of our times, along which the new industrial and supply chains are gradually taking shape, and new business forms such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence keep emerging. However, there are still deficiencies in the legal norms of different countries and setbacks for legal convergence between countries. We should, on one hand, set up rules and regulations to improve governance in the new sectors, and on the other hand, tear down fences and barriers to build an unimpeded “rules highway”. We must work together to create an open, fair and non-discriminatory legal environment for technical innovation, and use the rule of law as a “golden key” to unleash the positive effects of globalization and achieve shared development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China maps out a blueprint for advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization. It also points out that the right direction for global development is to build a community with a shared future for human progress and world harmony. Long and difficult as the journey is, sustained actions will take us to the destination. China will join hands with the international community to promote humanity’s shared values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom, to oppose all kinds of interference and challenges, and to advance the international rule of law. Together, we could create a better future where international fairness and justice lights up humanity’s way forward!
Thank you all!