Chief Executive John Lee met Secretary of Party Leadership Group and Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate Ying Yong today to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.

During the meeting, which Secretary for Justice Paul Lam also attended, Mr Lee welcomed Mr Ying and his delegation to Hong Kong to attend the 15th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference. He also thanked the central government and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate for supporting Hong Kong in organising this high-level conference for the first time.

Mr Lee specified that such support further consolidates Hong Kong’s role as a regional hub for legal exchanges and fully demonstrates the city’s unique position and advantages under “one country, two systems” principle.

Noting that the theme of this year’s conference is “Combatting Money Laundering & Corruption, and Recovering Assets in the Technological Age”, the Chief Executive highlighted that Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction within China, with its legal system aligned with most major financial centres around the world.

He remarked that the city, while maintaining a highly open international market, attaches great importance to safeguarding the integrity of its financial system, and has consistently adhered to international standards in its anti-money laundering systems and measures.

The Department of Justice has established a dedicated sub-division to handle technology crimes and digital evidence, proactively addressing the challenges brought by technological advancements, Mr Lee pointed out.

Furthermore, he stressed that the department is committed to promoting “soft connectivity” between local prosecutors and representatives of procuratorates across the Mainland, enhancing co-operation in areas such as mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, training of prosecutorial personnel, and expert exchanges.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to deepen co-operation with the Mainland in prosecution, contributing to the country’s construction of the rule of law, the Chief Executive added.