Yang Wanming, vice-president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC), met with visiting Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) Victor Dawes in Beijing on April 13.

Noting that the practice of "one country, two systems" is a great innovation of socialism with Chinese characteristics, as well as the best institutional arrangement for maintaining long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, Yang emphasized Hong Kong’s need to stand firmly with the motherland and proactively integrate into the nation's rejuvenation. He raised the hope that the HKBA will actively leverage its professional expertise, participate in the nation's law-based governance, practice and develop the common law system with Hong Kong characteristics within the framework of the Constitution and the Basic Law, safeguard the rule of law and national security in Hong Kong, and contribute more to improving Hong Kong's judicial and legal system and integrating Hong Kong into the overall development of the country.

Dawes extended his appreciation for the meeting and pledged to lead the HKBA to contribute to Hong Kong's rule of law and the nation's prosperity. Noting that the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has brought new development opportunities for Hong Kong barristers, he expressed hope to strengthen exchanges and communication with mainland courts.