Regarding your editorial (The Guardian view on Jimmy Lai: what Britain’s caution says about its relationship to Beijing’s power, 10 February), I wish to make the following points.
First, Jimmy Lai is by no means the “defender of democracy” portrayed in some western media narratives, but a principal figure behind the turmoil in Hong Kong. He was a key planner and participant in a series of anti-China incidents aimed at destabilising Hong Kong, and served as an agent and pawn of external anti-China forces. What he has done would constitute criminal offences in any country and must be punished in accordance with the law.
Second, Hong Kong returned to China in 1997, and the Sino-British Joint Declaration has long fulfilled its historical mission. The constitutional and legal basis for the Chinese government’s governance of Hong Kong lies in China’s constitution and Hong Kong’s basic law. Since the enactment of the National Security Law in 2020, Hong Kong has restored stability, and the rights and freedoms of residents are better protected in a more secure environment.
Third, Hong Kong affairs are China’s internal affairs, and Hong Kong’s judiciary does not allow external interference. Moreover, China does not recognise dual nationality. Jimmy Lai is regarded in Hong Kong solely as a Chinese citizen.
We urge the Guardian to respect China’s sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong and to report on related issues in an objective and fair-minded manner.
Bi Haibo
Spokesperson, Chinese embassy in the UK
