Q: The Spokesperson of the European External Action Service (EEAS) released a statement on February 9 about the sentencing of Jimmy Lai. What is China’s comment?

A: The Spokesperson Statement of the EEAS disregards facts and legal principles, blatantly interferes in Hong Kong’s judicial process, and grossly meddles in China’s internal affairs. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition.

Jimmy Lai is the principal mastermind and perpetrator behind the series of riots that shook Hong Kong. His moves seriously breached the principles and bottom line of One Country, Two Systems, endanger national security and hurt Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability and Hong Kong residents’ wellbeing. There is every reason to bring him to justice. Hong Kong upholds the rule of law. The judicial authorities of the Hong Kong SAR have independently and fairly handled Jimmy Lai’s case in accordance with the law. This is legitimate, justified, lawful and beyond reproach.

Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs. No external force is in any position to point fingers at this. We urge the EU side to earnestly respect China’s sovereignty, respect the rule of law in Hong Kong, not make irresponsible remarks on the Hong Kong SAR’s handling of the case, and not interfere in Hong Kong’s judicial affairs and China’s internal affairs in any form.