Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

Asked to respond to criticism from certain international originations and the UK regarding the conviction of Jimmy Lai on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, and the central government firmly supports the HKSAR in safeguarding national security in accordance with the law and in punishing crimes that endanger national security. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to certain countries' blatant smearing and vilification of the HKSAR's judiciary, Guo said.

The judicial authorities of the HKSAR have lawfully performed their duties, upheld the authority of the law, and safeguarded national security, which is fully justified, reasonable, lawful, and beyond reproach, Guo said, adding that the judicial case in question is purely an internal affair of the HKSAR. 

"We urge relevant countries to respect China's sovereignty and the HKSAR's legal system, refrain from making irresponsible remarks on the adjudication of judicial cases in the HKSAR, and cease interfering in the HKSASR's judiciary and in China's internal affairs in any form," Guo added.