Q: On December 18, the Spokesperson of the European External Action Service issued a statement on the start of the national security trial against Jimmy Lai, stating that the EU deplores the charges brought against Jimmy Lai, and claiming that the trial undermines the confidence in the rule of law in Hong Kong, and that freedom of the press and the free expression of opinions are being stifled in Hong Kong since the imposition of the National Security Law. What’s your comment?

A: Over the past three years since the adoption of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), we have seen Hong Kong society back on the right track. The lawful rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents have been better protected in a safer environment. Hong Kong is a law-based society where laws must be observed and those who break the law must be held accountable. Jimmy Lai is a major mastermind and participant of the anti-China riots in Hong Kong and the person behind the previous instability in Hong Kong. He colluded with external forces in jeopardizing national security and undermining Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. The law enforcement and judicial authorities in the Hong Kong SAR have handled and tried the case in accordance with the law. This is fully justified, legitimate and lawful.

While the EU positions itself as a champion of the rule of law, its irresponsible comments on the judicial proceedings of other countries and smearing of the national security law are against the principle. The statement is politically motivated and one hundred percent double standard. It constitutes a blatant interference with China’s internal affairs and a clear violation of international law and the basic norms governing international relations. China strongly opposes this. The Central Government firmly supports the Hong Kong SAR in upholding national security in accordance with the law and bringing criminals who endanger national security to justice. We urge the EU side to respect China’s sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, stop lending support to anti-China forces destabilizing Hong Kong, and stop interfering with China’s internal affairs.