'Rule Of Law, Courts Will Protect HK's Status'

Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, on Wednesday dismissed concerns that the central government's plan to develop Shenzhen will threaten Hong Kong's status as an international financial hub, saying the SAR has advantages like common law system and independent judiciary .

Speaking to the media after taking part in a radio programme, Chan said though the two regions share a complementary relationship with their own characteristics, Hong Kong should uphold its advantages to be the front-runner.

"It is up to us to harness these complimentary advantages to develop ourselves further," he said.

"As to the financial centre of Hong Kong, we have a few distinct advantages. One is One Country, Two Systems. The second is the common law system, the rule of law and independent judiciary. And the third is the confidence of the international community in Hong Kong," the secretary said.

Chan said that he's not aware of any deadlines set by the Central government to resolve the anti-extradition crisis.

On Tuesday, pro-establishment lawmaker Michael Tien said he had heard from a reliable source that Beijing leaders have given the SAR government a deadline to restore calm by early September, ahead of the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on October 1.