On Monday, Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai Chee-ying was sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiring to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security under the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law (NSL) and conspiring to publish seditious material. The sentence highlights Lai's role as the mastermind of the said criminal activities, for which he must bear primary responsibility.

For years, Lai used Apple Daily as a political tool, publishing biased and misleading reports to erode public trust in the government and incite discontent. During the anti-extradition bill turmoil of 2019-20, he glorified violence, misleading young people, and directly fueling the “black-clad riots”, a Hong Kong version of a “color revolution”. Even after the NSL came into effect, Lai ignored the law, openly calling for foreign sanctions against the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the nation, even declaring his endeavors as “fighting for America”. Driven by personal political pursuits, he disregarded the public’s interest and national security, inciting young people to illegality that led to the destruction of their lives. Monday’s court sentencing ensures he bears responsibility for his grave crimes and stands as a powerful affirmation of Hong Kong’s rule of law.

Lai’s longstanding collusion with foreign forces is undeniable. During the trial, foreign media repeatedly smeared the NSL, and politicians from certain countries even threatened sanctions against judges and prosecutors who handled the case, seriously interfering with Hong Kong’s judicial independence. Fortunately, Hong Kong’s Judiciary and judges withstood the external pressure, upheld justice without fear, and conducted the trial with professionalism. 

Looking ahead, Hong Kong must remain vigilant against foreign infiltration, prevent “soft resistance”, prevent false information from misleading the public, and firmly uphold the bottom line of national security. Only then can Hong Kong avoid future turmoil, build a solid foundation for long-term prosperity and stability, and ensure that residents share in the benefits of peace and progress

The proceedings were open and transparent, with hearings and judgments made public. The case was handled in line with common law standards, ensuring procedural fairness and safeguarding the defendant’s rights to defense and mitigation. After 156 days of hearings, reviewing over 2,000 pieces of evidence and testimony from 14 prosecution witnesses, the court’s ruling was based on ironclad proof. Lai’s sentence was deserved and aligned with public expectations for strict punishment.

This is the first case under the NSL involving collusion with foreign forces. In recent years, under the protection of the NSL, Hong Kong has gradually restored order, with residents returning to normal life and society moving toward stability and prosperity. The city cannot allow figures like Lai to aid foreign interference, disrupt stability, or endanger national security. The verdict sends a clear message to the world: Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, and any act that threatens national security or social stability will face severe legal consequences. The 20-year sentence is both an accountability measure for Lai’s unlawful conduct and a firm defense of Hong Kong’s judicial dignity. It conveys the principle of “laws are strictly enforced to bring offenders to account”, ensuring Hong Kong will never be a safe haven for anti-China agitators, and serving as a strong deterrent to hostile forces both within and outside the city.

National security is the cornerstone of “one country, two systems” and the foundation for Hong Kong’s long-term stability and residents’ well-being. Lai and his associates colluded with foreign forces, incited the illegal “Occupy Central” movement and the violent riots of 2019-20, and even advocated for “Hong Kong independence”, attempting to subvert the government and gravely challenging the bottom line of national security. The court’s fair ruling is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of the NSL and a resolute defense of national security.

The court’s sentence for Lai is a victory for Hong Kong’s rule of law, a victory for national security, and a victory for Hong Kong people. The verdict delivers a clear message: Anyone who colludes with foreign forces to endanger national security must face legal consequences. This is a powerful embodiment of Hong Kong’s judicial spirit and a vital safeguard for the steady implementation of “one country, two systems”.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong must remain vigilant against foreign infiltration, prevent “soft resistance”, prevent false information from misleading the public, and firmly uphold the bottom line of national security. Only then can Hong Kong avoid future turmoil, build a solid foundation for long-term prosperity and stability, and ensure that residents share in the benefits of peace and progress.

The author is a member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.