On May 28, 2026, the Judiciary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) announced its plan to establish the Hong Kong International Commercial Court (HKICC), which will specialize in adjudicating major cross-border and international commercial disputes. The Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR, Mr. John Lee,  pointed out that the 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly outlines the initiatives of accelerating the development of the system and capacity for the rule of law in foreign affairs, improving mechanisms for international commercial mediation, arbitration, and litigation, and supporting Hong Kong to consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, shipping, and trade center and an international aviation hub, as well as deepening its development as an international legal and dispute resolution services center. The Hong Kong SAR is the only common law jurisdiction in the country. Hong Kong's commercial and trade laws based on common law are internationally compatible, and well trusted by the international business community and investors. The establishment of the HKICC fully demonstrates Hong Kong's unique advantages under 'one country, two systems' of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. It will contribute new and greater strength to the country's high-level opening up, while further promoting the development of international commercial rules.

(Source: Beijing Office of the HKSAR Government — www.bjo.gov.hk)