Spokesperson of Chinese Embassy in the UK responds to questions from reporters about incorrect remarks from the UK on Hong Kong issue.

Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the UK answers questions from journalists on the wrong remarks of the UK regarding Hong Kong. Journalist: On February 9th, the UK issued a statement criticizing the sentencing decision of Jimmy Lai by the High Court of Hong Kong, supporting the pro-riot individuals, and smearing the National Security Law of Hong Kong. What is the Embassy's comment on this? Spokesperson: We firmly oppose the wrong remarks of the UK and urge the UK to respect China's judicial sovereignty, stop interfering in the rule of law in Hong Kong, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs. The trial of Jimmy Lai by the Hong Kong SAR Court was conducted in accordance with the law. The court hearings were open and transparent, the procedures were rigorous, the defendant's procedural rights were guaranteed by law, and the court independently conducted the trial without any interference, fully demonstrating the maturity, resilience, and impeccable credibility of the rule of law in Hong Kong. Jimmy Lai's legal sanctions are entirely justified. The 150-day trial revealed that Jimmy Lai not only openly solicited external forces to intervene, but also supported and funded organizations to conduct international lobbying seeking sanctions against China and the Hong Kong SAR, and manipulated public opinion to incite illegal protests and violence by citizens. His actions and activities seriously violate the National Security Law of Hong Kong and related laws, seriously challenge the bottom line of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, seriously impact the constitutional order of the SAR, and seriously undermine the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. The facts show that Jimmy Lai is not "exercising freedom of speech" as claimed by the UK, but rather the principal culprit and traitorous collaborator who harms China's fundamental interests and the well-being of the people of Hong Kong. It must be pointed out that Hong Kong has long since returned to China, and British colonial rule over Hong Kong has long ended. The Sino-British Joint Declaration has completed its historical mission, and the constitutional and legal basis for the Chinese government to govern Hong Kong is the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law of Hong Kong, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The UK should stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs under the pretext of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. We advise the UK to see the situation clearly, abandon double standards, stop shielding criminals, and stop any words and actions that interfere in the rule of law in Hong Kong and China's internal affairs.