The Canadian side made irresponsible remarks on the conviction of Jimmy Lai and smeared the Hong Kong National Security Law. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this, and condemns such blatant interference in China’s internal affairs and gross violation of the basic norms of international relations.

Jimmy Lai is a mastermind and participant of a series of major anti-China riots in Hong Kong. He has committed vicious crimes and caused severe damage. Hong Kong is a law-based society, where everyone is equal before the law. It is justified, legitimate, lawful and beyond reproach for judicial authorities in Hong Kong SAR to fulfill their duties, safeguard the authority of the law and defend national security in accordance with the law.

Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, Hong Kong society has maintained stability, and the rights and freedoms of its residents have been effectively guaranteed. We urge the Canadian side to respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s rule of law, and to immediately cease interfering in Hong Kong’s judicial affairs and meddling in China’s internal affairs.