Beijing’s top man on Hong Kong affairs praises city’s rule of law and ‘fearless’ judges
- Xia Baolong also expresses support for common law system and independence of local courts after three overseas judges announce departure

Beijing’s top official overseeing Hong Kong affairs has stressed the city’s rule of law was built and upheld by the collective efforts of the entire judiciary and legal community, including “fearless” and “impartial” judges.
Xia Baolong also expressed support for Hong Kong’s common law system and the independence of local courts on Thursday, as Beijing’s Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong condemned Jonathan Sumption, who resigned from the top court last week, accusing the British judge of smearing the city’s rule of law.
Xia, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, made the comments during a visit to the capital by Deputy Secretary Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan and his delegation, without mentioning the names of any judges.
The meeting came after three overseas non-permanent judges from Court of Final Appeal earlier announced their resignation or decision not to renew their term, with Sumption and Lawrence Collins citing the city’s political situation as reasons for their departure.
Xia said Hong Kong was one of the jurisdictions with the highest level of the rule of law globally, adding the central government firmly supported the city in maintaining the common law system, as well as in improving the judicial system and legal framework.
“The signature ‘rule of law’ in Hong Kong is built and upheld through the collective efforts of the entire judiciary and legal community, including judges at all levels,” Xia said.