On Monday, December 15, the Liaison Office of the Chinese Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) said it firmly supports Hong Kong authorities in upholding the conviction of Jimmy Lai.
This is the first verdict under Hong Kong’s national security law for colluding with external forces. According to the Liaison Office, court evidence showed that Lai conspired with overseas anti-China forces, sought foreign sanctions, and continued these activities after the law took effect.
Key highlights:
- The case marks the first conviction for collusion with foreign forces under the national security law.
- The Liaison Office emphasized safeguarding national sovereignty and development interests as the core of "One Country, Two Systems."
- The statement condemned external interference and rejected attempts to label anti-China riots as pro-democracy movements.
- Since the law was enacted, stability in Hong Kong has been restored, with the judiciary showing zero tolerance for national security crimes.
For many young observers, this verdict is a clear signal that Hong Kong’s judiciary is taking a firm stance on national security. It also underscores the ongoing balancing act between maintaining autonomy and protecting sovereignty under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework.
As the city moves forward, all eyes will be on how this legal precedent shapes future cases and impacts the business and social environment in Hong Kong. Stay tuned for more updates! 👀
Reference(s):
Mainland's liaison office in Hong Kong backs verdict on Jimmy Lai
cgtn.com
