The National Security and Legal Education Research Centre (NSLERC) at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) held a thematic lecture on the constitutional framework and political development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on 11 September 2026. Dr Starry Lee Wai-king, GBS, JP, the President of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR of the People’s Republic of China and Honorary Professor of EdUHK, was invited to speak to students on the constitutional order and political development of the HKSAR.
Titled “Understanding the Basic Law and the Constitution”, the lecture traced the historical background of modern China and Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. Professor Lee explained the formation and implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, as well as the constitutional order of the HKSAR jointly established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
Professor Lee examined the relationship between the Constitution and the Basic Law, explaining that the HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China and a local administrative region directly under the Central People’s Government while enjoying a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the law. She also discussed the key features of the HKSAR’s political structure and the constitutional arrangement that combines the Central Authorities’ overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR with the city’s high degree of autonomy.
The lecture also reviewed the development of Hong Kong’s legislature and electoral system. Professor Lee outlined the evolution of the legislature from the fully appointed Legislative Council during the British colonial period to the current 90-seat Legislative Council. She introduced the composition of the Election Committee constituency, functional constituencies and geographical constituencies following improvements to the electoral system. She noted that the improvements help implement the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, promote balanced and orderly political participation, enhance the governance effectiveness of the HKSAR, and safeguard Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.
By examining Hong Kong’s history, legal framework and institutional development, the lecture deepened students’ understanding of the constitutional framework and political development of the HKSAR, as well as the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. The NSLERC thanked Professor Starry Lee Wai-king for once again visiting EdUHK to share her professional knowledge and practical experience. The Centre will continue to promote education on the Constitution, the Basic Law and national security.
Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, JP, President of EdUHK and Director of AAPSEF (left), presents a certificate of appreciation to Dr Starry Lee Wai-king (centre). They are joined by Professor Gu Minkang, JP (right), Director of the National Security and LegNumber 1
Hon Professor Starry Lee Wai-king poses for a group photograph with participants of the lecture.Number 2
Hon Professor Starry Lee Wai-king delivers her lecture, titled “Understanding the Basic Law and the Constitution”.Number 3
Hon Professor Starry Lee Wai-king speaks on the constitutional framework and political development of the HKSAR.Number 4
EdUHK LLM students attend the thematic lecture on the constitutional framework and political development of the HKSAR.Number 5