Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian

Certain countries and institutions used a judicial case in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to maliciously smear Hong Kong, denigrate the rule of law there, and interfere in China's internal affairs. China firmly opposes this and has lodged solemn representations with the relevant countries and institutions, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday in response to statements issued by the US, the UK, Australia, the EU and others concerning the 20-year-imprisonment sentencing on anti-China riots instigator Jimmy Lai Chee-ying. 

Lai is a principal mastermind and participant in a series of major anti-China, destabilizing activities in Hong Kong. The facts of his crimes endangering national security are clear and the evidence is conclusive, Lin said. The HKSAR judicial authorities made their ruling based on facts and the law; it is lawful, legitimate, and not subject to challenge. Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law. Law-based governance and accountability for violations are fundamental principles. No one can engage in illegal or criminal activities under the banner of "democracy" or "freedom" and attempt to evade legal punishment, the spokesperson noted. 

Lin stressed once again that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, and Hong Kong's rule of law must not be undermined. No foreign country has the right to make irresponsible remarks. The Chinese government's resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests is unwavering, as is its commitment to implementing the principle of "One Country, Two Systems." Any attempt to sabotage Hong Kong's transition from stability to prosperity or to create chaos in Hong Kong to contain China will never succeed. 

"We urge the relevant parties to respect China's sovereignty, abide by international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and immediately cease interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any form," Lin said.