Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor spoke at an interview by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) as part of the programme of the WSJ CEO Council Summit held on December 7 and 8 (US Eastern Time) online. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

HONG KONG - Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor on Wednesday assured the international business community that the rule of law, judicial independence and people's rights and freedoms, the core values underpinning Hong Kong's success, will continue to be upheld under "one country, two systems".

Speaking during an interview by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) as part of the program of the WSJ CEO Council Summit held on December 7 and 8 (US Eastern Time) online, Lam stressed that the central government would unswervingly implement the policy of "one country, two systems". 

She explained, among others, the constitutional arrangement of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under "one country, two systems", and the enactment of the National Security Law.

Lam pointed out that many unfair comments made about Hong Kong in recent events show a lack of understanding of the policy of "one country, two systems". 

As an innovative concept aimed at preserving as much as possible the way of life in the city, it is also built on the firm foundation of Hong Kong being an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China and must not move away from the principle of "one country". 

She stressed that under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong will continue to uphold its core values, including the rights and freedoms of the people, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor stressed that under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong will continue to uphold its core values, including the rights and freedoms of the people, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary

Pointing out that following months of riots since June last year, she said the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the highest organ of state power, had no option but to enact the National Security Law and apply it in Hong Kong to protect national security. 

ALSO READ: CE: Hong Kong will continue to be an international city

Lam stressed that, under the National Security Law, Hong Kong people’s rights and freedoms under the Basic Law as well as the relevant provisions of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as applied to Hong Kong will continue to be protected. 

Important legal concepts including the presumption of innocence, fair and open trial and non-retrospectivity are embedded in the National Security Law. 

Looking forward, she said that the government will strive to make concerted efforts to enhance education and promotion of national security in society.

On the disqualification of four Legislative Council members last month, Lam explained the background and the legal basis of the relevant decision made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Lam said that, with law and order in the city restored by the implementation of the National Security Law, and that Hong Kong will play an active role in the national development, with particular reference to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has promising prospects and it is an opportune time for businesses to invest in the city.

READ MORE: Lam: Mainland support gives HK new impetus

Hundreds of leaders of multinational enterprises participated in the WSJ CEO Council Summit.