Bi Haibo of the Chinese embassy in the UK responds to a Guardian editorial about the trial of the media mogul and pro-democracy activist
Your editorial (The Guardian view on Jimmy Lai: this sham trial is another bleak day for Hong Kong, 18 December) claims that the trial of Jimmy Lai’s case is a political one, suggesting that the British government should have acted earlier to urge China to release Jimmy Lai. It smears the National Security Law for Hong Kong, alleging that political interference has caused foreign companies to leave Hong Kong, and talks down the region’s development. These allegations misrepresent the facts and mislead the public.
The Hong Kong special administrative region of China follows the rule of law. Any law in Hong Kong must be observed, and those who break the law must be held accountable. Jimmy Lai was a mastermind and instigator of anti-China riots that took place in Hong Kong. He blatantly colluded with external forces to jeopardise national security, solicited foreign support, and is responsible for various egregious acts. The Hong Kong judicial authorities have tried the case in accordance with the law. This is justified, legitimate and lawful.
With the implementation of the National Security Law, Hong Kong has restored order and is set to thrive. In this new stage, Hong Kong’s social stability has returned, its economy is back on track, good governance has been improved, the rights and the freedoms of its residents have been better protected, foreign investors’ confidence has been enhanced, and its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre has been further consolidated. Hong Kong’s future is bright. Any attempt to undermine its prosperity and stability, and slander the National Security Law, will not succeed.
We urge the Guardian to uphold the principles of objectivity and impartiality, abandon colonial mentality and ideological prejudice, stop smearing the rule of law in Hong Kong, stop maliciously attacking China, and add positive energy to the development of Sino-British relations, rather than the opposite.
Bi Haibo
Spokesperson, Chinese embassy in the UK
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/05/jimmy-lai-and-the-rule-of-law-in-hong-kong
