Q: On February 9, the Australian Foreign Minister issued a statement expressing concerns over the Hong Kong SAR court’s sentencing ruling against Jimmy Lai. What is China’s comment on this?

    A: The Australian government’s statement makes malicious smears against Hong Kong and its rule of law, and interfered in China’s internal affair. China firmly opposes it and has lodged serious protests with the Australian side.

    Jimmy Lai is the principal mastermind and perpetrator behind the series of riots that shook Hong Kong. He not only openly solicited external interference, but also supported and funded relevant organisations to engage in international lobbying for sanctions against China and the Hong Kong SAR. He also manipulated media outlets to incite the public to engage in unlawful protests and violence. The facts concerning his crimes of endangering national security are clear and the evidence is solid. Hong Kong upholds the rule of law. The judicial authorities of the Hong Kong SAR made the ruling based on facts and in accordance with the law. This is lawful, justified and beyond reproach. No one should be allowed to use “democracy” and “freedom” as a pretext to engage in unlawful and criminal activities and escape justice.

    The Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong fully respects and protects human rights, effectively safeguards the well-being of Hong Kong citizens and the interests of investors from all countries, and contributes to Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. When the law on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong is implemented well, there is greater assurance for security and stability in Hong Kong, and for the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents.

    Jimmy Lai is a Chinese national. The judicial case is purely China’s internal affair and no foreign country has the right to make irresponsible remarks. The Chinese government remains unwavering in its determination to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, security and development interests and to implement One Country, Two Systems. We urge the Australian side to respect China’s sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and not to interfere in Hong Kong’s judicial affairs and China’s internal affairs in any form.