Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan will adhere to ‘capitalist system’ and One Country, Two Systems principle – leader John Lee

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, has stated that the city's inaugural five-year plan, to be unveiled alongside the final Policy Address of his current term, will remain firmly rooted in Hong Kong's capitalist system and uphold the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. Delivering the remarks at a press conference on January 27, 2026, Lee addressed concerns that the Five-Year Plan, aligned with mainland China's development goals, might alter the city's existing constitutional framework.

In a Monday op-ed published in local newspapers such as Ming Pao, the Hong Kong Economic Journal, Ta Kung Pao, and Wen Wei Po, Lee emphasized that the Five-Year Plan will strictly adhere to Hong Kong's rule of law and capitalist system, faithfully implement the Basic Law, and maintain the "One Country, Two Systems" principle without any changes or deviations.

The framework, set for a 50-year period leading up to 2047, is designed to preserve Hong Kong's capitalist system, independent judiciary, legal framework, and civil liberties.

Lee also affirmed that the plan will uphold the city's status as an international hub and preserve the free flow of capital, talent, goods, and data, allowing for the "flexibility and advantages of a capitalist market." He cited China's President Xi Jinping's repeated assertion that "One Country, Two Systems" is a long-term system that must be adhered to.

Previously, Lee announced that Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan will outline the city's development direction and strategy, while the Policy Address will translate the blueprint into policy measures for the year. Economic initiatives like the Northern Metropolis megaproject and efforts to strengthen ties across the Greater Bay Area are expected to enhance citizens' lives, promote personal development, and foster social mobility, as highlighted in a consultation paper for the first Five-Year Plan.