The Asian Academy of International Law (AAIL) welcomed a delegation of over 30 students from the East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL), led by Dr Victor Wu, Associate Research Scholar and Fellow at the School of Foreign Affairs and Law, ECUPL.

Dr Anthony Neoh SC JP, Co-Chairman of AAIL, extended a warm welcome to the delegation and gave an overview of AAIL’s mission and activities. He also introduced the rich history of the Former French Mission Building, a declared monument and home to AAIL’s office.

The Honourable Mr Justice Patrick Chan GBM, Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong (CFA), then delivered an engaging presentation on the distinctive features of the common law system. Drawing on vivid examples, he explained concepts such as case law and precedent, the jury system, and the emphasis on procedural fairness.

During the Q&A session, Dr Neoh and Justice Chan addressed questions on the mechanisms and culture within Hong Kong’s legal community that safeguard judicial independence. They also shared their perspectives on how artificial intelligence could assist in addressing challenges related to judicial resources. In response to a question on the relationship between the Basic Law and the common law, Justice Chan reflected on his experience adjudicating the landmark case of Democratic Republic of the Congo v. FG Hemisphere and drafting the questions submitted by the CFA to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of PRC.