China has doubled down on its stance over the sentencing of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, throwing its full support behind the ruling while issuing a sharp warning to foreign governments.
Beijing insists the case is a matter of national sovereignty and law enforcement, cautioning other countries against what it describes as political meddling in China’s internal affairs.
Speaking at a daily briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian expressed the ministry’s “firm support for the Hong Kong government in maintaining national security.”
He described Lai as a “a principal planner and participant in a series of anti-China, destabilising activities in Hong Kong.”
“His actions have severely undermined the fundamental principles of ‘one country, two systems’, seriously endangered national security, and gravely harmed Hong Kong’s prosperity, stability, and the well-being of its citizens. He should be duly punished under the law.”
Lin Jian
Referring to comments made by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump, both of whom have advocated for Lai’s release, Lin urged “the countries concerned to respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s legal system, refrain from making irresponsible remarks… and not [to] interfere in Hong Kong’s judiciary or China’s internal affairs in any form.”
Lai’s Sentencing Draws Criticism
While China’s foreign ministry said that the decision was “reasonable, legitimate and legal,” it was condemned by democracies, as well as a number of rights and media organisations.
The European Union’s foreign affairs Spokesperson Anitta Hipper stated that the bloc “deplores” the sentencing of the 78-year-old and calls for his “immediate and unconditional release.”
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said that China and Hong Kong have “brought media influence and international connections within the scope of national security measures, aiming to create a chilling effect across sectors and borders.”
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, asserted that the government is “gravely concerned” by the sentences handed down to Lai and his co-defendants, adding that the prosecutions have left a “chilling effect on free speech in Hong Kong.”
Additionally, Human Rights Watch’s Asia Director, Elaine Pearson said that the sentence is “effectively a death sentence” for Jimmy Lai.
Lai’s family has raised concerns over his deteriorating health while imprisoned. However, the court said it was “not inclined” to hand Lai a lower sentence on account of his medical condition.
It said in the ruling, “We note that the general rule is that medical grounds will seldom, if ever, be a basis for reducing the sentence for crimes of gravity.” Lai’s barrister had said that he suffers from hypertension and diabetes, among other ailments.
“A sentence of this magnitude is both cruel and profoundly unjust. Lai’s years of persecution show the Chinese government’s determination to crush independent journalism and silence anyone who dares to criticize the Communist Party.”
Elaine Pearson
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) CEO, Jodie Ginsberg, noted that the rule of law has been completely shattered in Hong Kong.”
“Today’s egregious decision is the final nail in the coffin for freedom of the press in Hong Kong. The international community must step up its pressure to free Jimmy Lai if we want press freedom to be respected anywhere in the world.”
Jodie Ginsberg
Amnesty International joined a chorus of voices from human rights and media organisations condemning the 20-year sentence handed to Jimmy Lai.
Amnesty international’s Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks, “This sentencing marks another grim milestone in Hong Kong’s transformation from a city governed by the rule of law to one ruled by fear.”
“Imprisoning a 78-year-old man for doing nothing more than exercising his rights shows a complete disregard for human dignity. Every day he spends in behind bars is a grave injustice.
“With this ruling we see yet again how Hong Kong’s National Security Law is being used to distort fundamental freedoms into criminal acts. Jimmy Lai’s imprisonment is a cold-blooded attack of freedom of expression that epitomises the systematic dismantling of rights that once defined Hong Kong.”
Sarah Brooks
She said that the Hong Kong authorities must immediately and unconditionally release him.
