Hong Kong, Beijing: “Firm support for Jimmy Lai’s sentence”

Beijing, Feb. 9 (LaPresse) – Commenting on the sentence handed down to former media mogul and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, Beijing expressed its “firm support” for the Hong Kong government in maintaining national security. Lai “planned and participated in a series of anti-China and destabilizing activities in Hong Kong,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, as reported by the BBC. “His actions have severely undermined the fundamental principles of ‘one country, two systems,’ seriously endangered national security, and gravely harmed the prosperity, stability, and well-being of Hong Kong citizens,” Lin stated. “He must be justly punished according to the law.” Referring to statements by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Donald Trump, both in favor of Lai’s release, the spokesperson urged “the countries involved to respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s legal system, refrain from making irresponsible statements, and not interfere in Hong Kong’s judicial system or China’s internal affairs in any way.”