Professor Starry Lee Delivers Keynote on "One Country, Two Systems" Framework in National Education Course
September 20, 2025 – The National Security and Legal Education Research Centre (NSLERC) at the Education University of Hong Kong welcomed the University’s Honorary Professor Starry Lee Wai-king, member of Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR) for an authoritative lecture on Hong Kong's constitutional framework and political development.
Professor Starry Lee delivered a comprehensive presentation titled "The Constitution, Basic Law, and HKSAR’s Political Development Process" to faculty members, students, and education practitioners.
From Historical Context to Contemporary Governance
The lecture provided an in-depth examination of Hong Kong's unique constitutional arrangement, beginning with the historical circumstances that necessitated the "One Country, Two Systems" framework. Dr. Lee traced HKSAR’s journey from British colonial rule through 41 unequal treaties signed between 1840 and 1909, to the momentous return to Chinese sovereignty on July 1, 1997.
"Understanding our constitutional foundation is essential for effective national education," Professor Starry Lee emphasized, explaining how the Basic Law embodies the dual principles of maintaining HKSAR’s prosperity and stability while safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This historical perspective provides crucial context for educators promoting national security awareness among students.
Constitutional Framework and High Degree of Autonomy
A significant portion of the lecture focused on clarifying the relationship between the National Constitution and the Basic Law, which together form the constitutional foundation of the HKSAR. Professor Starry Lee elaborated on the 160 articles of the Basic Law, explaining how they guarantee HKSAR’s high degree of autonomy across executive, legislative, and judicial spheres while maintaining appropriate central government oversight.
Key highlights included discussions on HKSAR’s executive-led governance system with checks and balances, the preservation of the common law system and independent judiciary, and the continuation of the capitalist economic system for 50 years unchanged—all underpinned by the principle of "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" with patriots as the main body.
Implications for National Security Education
Professor Starry Lee provided valuable insights into HKSAR’s political evolution since 1997, with particular emphasis on developments relevant to national security education. She discussed the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020 and the improvement of the electoral system in 2021, explaining how these measures were designed to ensure that patriots administer HKSAR while maintaining necessary democratic representation and political inclusiveness.
The lecture emphasized the importance of helping students and the public understand the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle as a fundamental requirement for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, while ensuring HKSAR’s long-term prosperity and stability.
The National Security and Legal Education Research Centre (NSLERC) extend its appreciation to Professor Starry Lee for sharing her invaluable expertise and firsthand insights, contributing significantly to the advancement of national education and national security education in HKSAR’s educational landscape.