On Monday, the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delivered its verdict on Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s national security case, convicting him of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiracy to publish seditious publications. We firmly support the HKSAR government in fulfilling its constitutional duty to safeguard national security by convicting the ringleader of the anti-China campaign in Hong Kong in accordance with the law.

Lai was the mastermind and a key participant in a series of anti-China activities aimed at causing harm to China and disruptions in the SAR. Acting as an agent and pawn of external anti-China forces, he was the chief culprit behind the Hong Kong version of the “color revolution” in 2019-20, inflicting great harm on Hong Kong. Over the decades, Lai has left no stone unturned in his relentless anti-China enterprises and subversive endeavors in the SAR, including colluding with foreign forces, which have seriously breached the fundamental principle of “one country, two systems”, endangering national security, and inflicting severe damage on the city’s prosperity and stability at the expense of Hong Kong residents’ interests and well-being.

The HKSAR government’s determination to uphold the rule of law and safeguard national security will not be deterred by foreign pressure or threat of sanctions. Such despicable acts could only lead to a more united Hong Kong society and hasten the downfall of their local proxies in Hong Kong

The bitter memories of the tragic scenes that prevailed during the “anti-extradition” campaign remain fresh: Advocates of “Hong Kong independence” acted recklessly, “black-clad” rioters rampaged through the city, and the toxic ideology of “mutual annihilation” poisoned the mind of young people across the SAR. Equally unforgettable to Hong Kong people is how Lai frequented the United States and other Western countries, seeking to collude with foreign anti-China forces and begging for sanctions against Hong Kong and the nation. He even went so far as to openly declare: “We in Hong Kong are fighting for the shared values of the US against China. We are fighting their war in the enemy camp.” To advance his anti-China cause, Lai manipulated his media platforms to fabricate and spread rumors, sow division, incite hatred, glorify violence, and provide financial support to anti-China agitators and “Hong Kong independence” advocates. Nor will it be thrown into oblivion that, even after the enactment of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law, Lai continued to publish seditious articles and openly courting foreign interference in defiance of the security law.

The great volume of evidence presented in the court has convincingly proved Lai’s participation in activities endangering national security, attesting to his chief-culprit role in creating massive chaos in Hong Kong as well as his nature as a traitorous figure who has acted as a pawn and tool of external forces. People across China, including compatriots in Hong Kong, are filled with righteous indignation and strongly demand that Lai be severely punished according to law.

Safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is the highest principle in implementing the “one country, two systems” policy. It’s the constitutional responsibility of the HKSAR to uphold national security. Since the implementation of the NSL, the HKSAR’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches have faithfully fulfilled their duties, resolutely preventing, deterring, and punishing acts that endanger national security. Hong Kong has returned to the right path, with residents’ legitimate rights and freedoms better protected in a safer and more stable environment. A broad consensus has taken shape in Hong Kong society that the safety of individual families and stability of the city are premised on national security.

The rule of law in Hong Kong is unshakable. Laws must be followed; lawbreakers must be held accountable; justice must prevail; and the rule of law must be upheld at all times, with no individual or organization standing above the law. Today, the city boasts a sound and comprehensive legal system, supported by an effective enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security. The days when foreign forces and local anti-China disruptors could act recklessly and with impunity are long gone. Anyone or any organization that dares to challenge the national security laws, or engage in acts endangering national security, will face the full force of the law, regardless of what pretexts are used, and who the patrons are.

We resolutely support the HKSAR in fully and accurately implementing the NSL, and believe that any attempt to obstruct its enforcement is bound to fail. The HKSAR government’s determination to uphold the rule of law and safeguard national security will not be deterred by foreign pressure or threat of sanctions. Such despicable acts could only lead to a more united Hong Kong society and hasten the downfall of their local proxies in Hong Kong.

(Source: Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council)

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.