Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

"I would first like to point out that Jimmy Lai is a Chinese citizen," said Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, on Monday in response to a question about the latest sentencing in Lai's case, as well as the mention of Lai as a British national by the British prime minister during his visit to China, and the call by US President Donald Trump for China to release Lai. 

Lai was a principal planner and participant in a series of anti-China and Hong Kong-disrupting incidents. His actions seriously undermined the bottom line of the principle of "One Country, Two Systems," gravely endangered national security, and severely harmed Hong Kong's prosperity, stability, and the well-being of its residents; therefore, he deserves severe punishment under the law, Lin stated. 

Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law. The HKSAR judicial authorities perform their duties in accordance with the law, uphold the authority of the law, and safeguard national security in a manner that is reasonable, lawful, and beyond reproach. The central government firmly supports the HKSAR in safeguarding national security in accordance with the law and in punishing crimes that endanger national security, the spokesperson said. 

Practice has shown that the better the National Security Law for Hong Kong is implemented, the more stable and secure Hong Kong society becomes, Lin said. The rights and freedoms of the vast majority of Hong Kong residents are better protected, Hong Kong's "golden brand" continues to shine, and the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" can proceed steadily and sustainably, the spokesperson added. 

Regarding remarks by foreign countries, Lin said that relevant judicial cases are purely internal affairs of the HKSAR. China urges relevant countries to respect China's sovereignty and Hong Kong's rule of law, refrain from making irresponsible remarks about judicial proceedings in the HKSAR, and stop interfering in Hong Kong's judicial affairs or in China's internal affairs in any form.