The Chinese mainland has reaffirmed its commitment to Hong Kong's judicial autonomy following international reactions to media figure Jimmy Lai's conviction on national security charges. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated Monday that Beijing "firmly opposes certain countries' baseless accusations" against Hong Kong's legal system after the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delivered its verdict.
Lai, identified by authorities as a key instigator of 2019's social unrest, was convicted on three charges including conspiring to collude with external forces. The ruling has drawn attention from international observers, particularly Britain, regarding Hong Kong's judicial independence under the National Security Law implemented in 2020.
"Hong Kong's judicial organs strictly follow legal procedures to safeguard national security – this is both their right and obligation," Guo emphasized during the regular press briefing. The spokesperson reiterated that handling such cases falls entirely within the HKSAR's internal affairs, protected under the "one country, two systems" principle.
Analysts note the verdict comes as Hong Kong marks 28 years since its return to China, with authorities emphasizing stability through rule of law. The HKSAR government maintains that all legal proceedings strictly adhere to evidence and legal provisions, independent of external political pressures.
This development occurs amid ongoing efforts to strengthen cross-strait ties, with mainland authorities urging foreign governments to respect China's sovereignty and refrain from interfering in Hong Kong matters. Legal experts suggest the case underscores Beijing's determination to prevent external forces from influencing special administrative regions' affairs.
