The mass media remain vibrant with a wide range of views. The people of Hong Kong highly value their free press, and make good use of it to express their opinions. Radio-Television Hong Kong (RTHK), the government-run broadcaster which enjoys editorial independence, is a cherished institution. Its daily phone-in disucssions on public issues receive very high ratings.

The culture of peaceful protests is very much alive. People continue to organize to voice their grievances or to speak out on public issues.

The rule of law is maintained by an independent judiciary that is not afraid to hand down decisions against the government’s position. Hong Kong people’s rights are also protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.