Disclaimer:
This article is based on official statements released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and international media reports. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent personal opinions or investment, legal, or political advice. Readers are encouraged to verify facts from multiple reliable sources before forming conclusions.
China has strongly defended the sentencing of Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison, rejecting criticism from Western leaders and describing the case as a purely internal matter of Hong Kong and China.
According to an AFP report, Jimmy Lai was sentenced for what Hong Kong authorities have classified as national security-related crimes. Lai, who holds UK citizenship, has drawn international attention, with his case raised by Keir Starmer during his recent visit to China. Former and current US President Donald Trump had also earlier called on Beijing to release him.
Responding to questions on the matter, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that Jimmy Lai was the “principal mastermind and perpetrator” behind the riots that shook Hong Kong. He stated that Lai’s actions had seriously breached the principles and bottom line of “One Country, Two Systems,” endangered national security, and harmed Hong Kong’s prosperity, stability, and residents’ wellbeing.
Lin Jian emphasized that there was every reason to bring Lai to justice, adding that Hong Kong Special Administrative Region upholds the rule of law. He said that Hong Kong’s judicial authorities perform their duties in accordance with the law to uphold its sanctity and safeguard national security.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the handling of the case is “legitimate, justified, lawful and beyond reproach.” Lin Jian stressed that the central government of China firmly supports the Hong Kong SAR in safeguarding national security and punishing criminal activities that endanger it in accordance with the law.
He further stated that the effective implementation of the national security law has brought greater assurance for security and stability in Hong Kong. According to him, it has also helped protect the rights and freedoms of residents, enhanced Hong Kong’s reputation, and ensured the steady and sustained implementation of “One Country, Two Systems.”
Responding to international criticism, Lin Jian said that Jimmy Lai is a Chinese national and that the judicial case is purely an internal affair of the Hong Kong SAR. He urged relevant countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, to respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s rule of law.
He called on foreign governments not to make what he described as irresponsible remarks, and not to interfere in Hong Kong’s judicial affairs or China’s internal matters in any form.
The Chinese government has consistently maintained that national security laws are essential for maintaining stability in Hong Kong, while Western countries have expressed concerns over political freedoms and judicial independence. The sentencing of Jimmy Lai has once again highlighted the deep divide between China and Western nations over governance and rights issues in Hong Kong.
